The Independent Battalion of New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as the German Legion or the New York Corps of Light Infantry, was an infantry battalion from New York City that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was formed in April 1862, originally as the Enfants Perdu Regiment, but was immediately downgraded to a battalion as it couldn't muster enough companies. The unit served in the Carolinas for the duration of its existence. It was disbanded in January 1864, the men being transferred to the 47th and 48th infantry regiments and to the 1st Engineer Regiment.
Organisation The battalion initially fielded only 6 companies, thus not serving as regiment, and stayed a battalion despite mustering additional companies over time in 1862 and 1863.
Company A – Cpt. Joseph Torrens Company B – Cpt. Jules F. Rochefort Company C – Cpt. Joseph Schmidt Kraus Company D – Cpt. Charles Daillet Company E – Cpt. Francois Boucher Company F – Cpt. Michael Schmidt Company G – Cpt. Thaddedus Ferris Company H – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1862) Company I – Cpt. John G. Gundlack Company K – Cpt. Ferdinand Levy (1863)
Commanders Lieutenant Colonel Felix Confort (resigned May 9, 1863) Lieutenant Colonel Simon Levy
Casualties During its service the battalion lost 9 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 52 enlisted men by disease, for a total of 61 men.
See also List of New York Civil War units
References