James Durrell Greene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Durrell Greene
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| Born | May 13, 1828 |
| Died | March 21, 1902 (aged 73) |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1867 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Durrell Greene (1828 – 1902) was an American inventor and a brave soldier. He is famous for inventing the Greene Rifle, which was a special type of gun used during the American Civil War. He also served as a high-ranking officer, a Brevet Brigadier General, in the Union Army.
Contents
A Life of Invention and Service
Early Years and Education
James Durrell Greene was born on May 13, 1828, in Lynn, Massachusetts. He was a very good student in school. James wanted to attend West Point, a famous military school. However, his older brother, who was already at West Point, sadly passed away. Because of this, his mother did not allow James to go. Instead, he attended Harvard University.
The Greene Rifle
James Greene was very interested in military technology and inventing. He designed and patented many different rifles. His most famous invention was the Greene Rifle. This rifle was special because it was the only bolt-action rifle used in combat during the American Civil War. A bolt-action rifle means you pull a lever (the bolt) back and forth to load a new bullet.
Greene also designed a similar weapon for soldiers on horseback, called the Greene Carbine. However, these carbines did not work as well for cavalry because a small part called the primer often fell out. In total, the U.S. Government used about 900 Greene Rifles during the war.
Service in the American Civil War
On July 23, 1860, Greene joined the 5th Massachusetts Militia Regiment. He was a Lieutenant Colonel when the Civil War began. On June 26, 1861, he moved to the 17th U.S. Infantry Regiment.
At first, Greene was stationed at Fort Preble, while his regiment fought in other battles. In June 1863, he finally took command of the 17th Infantry. During the famous Battle of Gettysburg, Greene led his unit in heavy fighting. They fought bravely in a place called the Wheatfield. His regiment suffered many losses, with 25 soldiers killed and 125 wounded. A monument honoring the 17th Infantry Regiment, with Greene's name on it, stands at that spot today.
After the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863, Greene was promoted to a full colonel. He was then transferred to the 6th U.S. Infantry. On April 13, 1865, Colonel James D. Greene received another promotion. He became a Brevet Brigadier General. A "brevet" rank is an honorary promotion for good service, but it doesn't always come with a higher pay. Greene left the army on June 25, 1867, after serving for almost seven years.
Later Life
After leaving the military in 1867, Greene continued to invent new service rifles. He also became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group for Civil War veterans. James Durrell Greene passed away on March 21, 1902. He was buried in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
