Victor Girardey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Victor Jean Baptiste Girardey
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Brig. Gen. Victor Girardey
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| Born | June 26, 1837 Lauw, France |
| Died | August 16, 1864 (aged 27) Henrico County, Virginia |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1864 |
| Rank |  CaptainBrigadier General (unconfirmed) |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, Louisiana Infantry |
| Commands held | Wright's Brigade |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Victor Jean Baptiste Girardey (born June 26, 1837 – died August 16, 1864) was a brave officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He started as a Captain and was promoted to a temporary Brigadier General just before he died in battle.
Girardey served as a staff officer from the start of the war. On August 3, 1864, he became a temporary brigadier general. He then took command of a brigade that used to be led by Ambrose R. Wright. This brigade was located on the Darbytown Road, protecting the eastern side of Richmond, Virginia. Sadly, on August 16, 1864, during the Second Battle of Deep Bottom, Girardey was killed in action. This happened near Fussell's Mill in Henrico County, Virginia.
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Early Life and Family
Victor Jean Baptiste Girardey was born in Lauw, France, on June 26, 1837. When he was five years old, in 1842, his family moved to Georgia in the United States.
By the time he was 16, Victor had become an orphan. He finished his schooling in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he married a woman named Clotilde LeSueur, who was also of French descent and from Louisiana.
Serving in the Civil War
Even though some records say Girardey lived in Georgia when the Civil War began, his first military service was in Louisiana. He started as a Second Lieutenant in the Louisiana Militia. Then, he joined the 1st Louisiana Infantry Battalion as a Second Lieutenant.
On October 12, 1861, he left that position. On the same day, he became an aide-de-camp for Brigadier General Albert G. Blanchard. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a general.
Rising Through the Ranks
On June 21, 1862, Girardey became a Captain. He also served as an assistant adjutant-general for Brigadier General Ambrose Wright's brigade. This means he helped with important paperwork and organization for the brigade.
Girardey was praised many times for his skills, bravery, and efficiency. He fought in several major battles, including:
During the Battle of Manassas Gap, he even took temporary command of a regiment. This happened when the regiment's colonel was injured.
Heroism at the Crater
During the Siege of Petersburg, Girardey was moved to the staff of Major General William Mahone. He showed great courage and skill during the Battle of the Crater.
In this battle, the Union Army exploded a mine under the Confederate lines. This created a huge gap. Girardey quickly organized and timed Mahone's counterattack. He led two brigades from behind the Confederate lines to fill the dangerous gap. His actions helped prevent a major disaster for the Confederates.
Promotion and Final Battle
On August 3, 1864, Girardey was promoted from Captain to temporary Brigadier General. This was a big jump in rank! General Robert E. Lee himself made this promotion. However, his appointment was never officially confirmed by the Confederate Senate. Because of this, some historians do not list him as a brigadier general.
On August 16, 1864, Girardey was leading Wright's former brigade. They were defending Richmond, Virginia, near the Darbytown Road. During the Second Battle of Deep Bottom, Union forces attacked. Girardey was shot in the head and killed while he was directing his troops. This happened near Fussell's Mill.
Burial Place
Victor Jean Baptiste Girardey is buried next to his wife in Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta, Georgia.
