Offered is a nice example of the Richmond Light Infantry membership enameled pin.  The badge has a Richmond Light Infantry Blues soldier holding a rifle in the middle of the pin.  An oval of blue enamel circles the soldier with “Richmond Light Infantry Blues – 1789” written on it.  The pin is approximately ½ inches wide and ¾ inches tall. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
RICHMOND LIGHT INFANTRY BLUES
Before the American Revolution, the city of Richmond raised a group of soldiers for protection, which was called into service in the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington . After the war ended, the Richmond Light Infantry Company returned to Richmond, marching in public parade shortly after their return. This display wasn’t met with great enthusiasm from the people, largely due to the Company wearing a traditional red uniform which bore a resemblance to the uniforms worn by the British Army at the time. Following this, the Company elected to change the color of their uniform to blue, and as such, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues was formed in 1789.

The Blues entered active service again for the War of 1812 in order to repel British forces as they pushed into Virginia, not seeing combat as the war ended before the British forces reached Richmond. Several decades later they were called to service again during the American Civil War as part of the 46th Virginia Infantry. The Blues participated as part of the Army of Occupation in Cuba during the Spanish American War, as well as serving during the Mexican Border Campaign in 1900. The Blues were reorganized for service in the 1st World War as part of the 104th Ammunition Train, seeing combat in France at the battles of Alsace and the Meuse and the Argonne. Members of the Blues then went on to serve in World War 2, as well as the Global War on Terror.

Due to a reorganization of the Virginia Army National Guard, the Blues were stood down in the year 1968, remaining dormant until December of 2016, where they were reestablished.

Battles, Skirmishes and Engagements

A wonderful badge identified to William Rudolph McEntire of the 9th Georgia Light Artillery Battalion is now available.  The badge has a brass metal oval holder which has a celluloid pin in te middle.  The celluloid pin has a wonderful cannon likeness in the middle and has "Co. A, 9th GA. Battalion of Artillery Association - Compliments of Lieut. W.R. McEntire" written on it.  A red, white, and red ribbon is attached to the hanger.  A small cannon drop is attached to the ribbon.  The badge is approximately 5 1/8 inches long and approximately 1 3/4 inches wide at it's widest point.  The badge was made by the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey.  Lt. McEntire was captured at Knoxville, Tennessee in September, 1863 and was confined at Johnson's Island, Ohio prison of war camp.

William Rudolph McEntire Residence Atlanta GA; a 23 year-old Merchant. Enlisted on 2/27/1862 at Atlanta, GA as a Private. On 2/27/1862 he mustered into "A" Co. GA 9th Battn Light Artillery (date and method of discharge not given) He was listed as: * POW 9/7/1863 Knoxville, TN * Confined 9/20/1863 Johnson's Island, OH (Estimated date) * Oath Allegiance 6/12/1865 Johnson's Island, OH (Released) Promotions: * 2nd Lieut 5/15/1862 Other Information: born 1/6/1839 in Buncombe County, NC died 6/22/1920 in Dallas, TX (Parents: Bevil & Elizabeth Wells McEntire. Married Missie Carmelar Burnett Nov. 23, 1865) After the War he lived in Dallas, TX Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.: - Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records - Confederate Veteran Magazine - Photo from Confederate Veteran Magazine (c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com