Lindon Elem. Character Information

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Character  Monthly Theme -   Courage

Character  Story -   Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin
Principal's Message by Jason Theler
     The Lindon Character Connection Newsletter asked me to write their spotlight article for the month of March on the topic of accountability.  Since we have many patrons who do not live in Lindon, I thought I wuld repeat the article here.
Chamberlain's Photo: (1), (2),   Websites about him: Biography (1), (2), Maine Infantry
     The first time I heard the name Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin we over twenty years ago during a summer visit to several Civil War monuments.  At the age of twelve, however, much of the significance of the experience was unappreciated.  Even so, I remember being impressed by the courage of the soldier with the "awesome handle-bar mustache."
     Almost ten years later, I was remided of Mr. Chamberlain with the 1993 release of the movie Gettysburg.  As a student at BYU, however, the movie was mostly an excuse to be with a certain young woman, more than a solemn reminder of the price of freedom.  Still, I was again awed by Chanberlain's conviction and relsolve in the face of great adversity.
     Then, about ten years later in 2002, I was again reminded of Joshua when I read The Leadership Moment, by Michael Useem.   Fortunately, as I read the book, the immensity of this noble character (combined with my readiness to think more deeply about the weightier matters of life assured that an indelible impression was made on me.
     I admire Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, not only for hsi valor, but also for his compassionate regard for others, quality not often associated with gritty war heroes.  Obviosly as a winner of the Congressional Medal of Honopr, Chanberlain showed exceptional bravery and skill on the battlefield.  His most renouwned moment came in the summer of 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg.   Colonel Chamberlain received orders to defend and maintain the extreme left flank of the Union line at a small wooded hill know as Little Round Top.  He knew he and his 478 men must fulfill their responsiblilty and hold their ground at all costs.  If Confederate artillaery gained access to the high ground, they could decimate the rest of the Union line spread out beside them.
     Confederate commanders also realized the strategic significance of Little Round Top and ordered wave after wave of attacks.  After the fifth vave of Rebel soldiers had withdrawn, Chamberlain's remained unbroken, but severly damaged.  As the Rebel soldiers began to prepare for a sixth assault, the surviving soldiers of chamberlain's regiment informed him that they had exhausted their ammununition.  Chamberlain's bold solution to this desperate situation was to order a bayonet charge.  The message was relayed along the ranks and a blue line of Union soldiers doggedly swept down the hill, completely catching the Rebel soldiers by surprise and sending them into a panicked retreat.  Several days and 50,000 casualties later, the Union had won one of the most decisive engagements of the Civil War.  It is widely believed that had Little Round Top fallen, Gettysburg could have turned into a rout, promptinng the Union to sue for peace, forever altering the course of American history.
     What many don't know is that it was Joshua's compassionate regard for others that probably ensured the successful defense of Little Round Top.  Several weeks prior to Gettysburg, Chamberlain was given charge of 120 mutineers with orders to shoot any that wouldn't fulfill their duty.  Chamberlain informed the mutineers of his orders, but instead of threatening and browbeating them, he kindly acknowledged their grievances, fed them, and appealed to their sense of responsilbility to God, family, and country.  After several days of dignified treatment, the mutineers acquiesced and rallied around the flag.  It is almost certain that without the additional strength of these 120 mutineers, Little Round Top would have fallen.
     Though it is a meager attempt, I hope these words honor Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as a man of the highest moral character and that his noble example may inspire us to accept our responsiblilities and perform them with dignity and respect.

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