From the Oregon Magazine article "Storming the Ramparts." This is the stories of two Union veterans, one in the Navy and the other in the Army, whose lives came together at Fort Fisher (but they never met) and who lived out their lives in Oregon.
Alaric Chapin, US Army, got his Medal of Honor for his service January 15, 1865. He was 17 at the time and in Co. G of the 142nd New York when he volunteered for a very dangerous mission to make openings in the palisades of the fort which would bring them close to the Confederate defenders and under fire. His best friend, Jimmy Spring also volunteered. He was also young after having lied about his age in order to serve.
They crawled along the ground for 300 yards until they reached the palisades unobserved. They used axes on lashing ropes and shovels and battering rams to loosen and topple posts until they had cut an opening in those wooden walls.
Jimmy Spring was shot in the head during this time and died instantly.
Chapin was mustered out June 7, 1865, eleven days shy of his birthday.
Capture My Fort!! --Old B-Runner
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