The "Luckless Soldier"
The army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage are at the core of every Army leader. Although not defined as such values in the mid nineteenth century, Army leaders were held to these characteristics just as leaders of today's modern Army are. One more famous leader of the War Between the States is Ambrose Burnsides. Known more for his daring fashion sense than his tactics and stratagem, Burnside has gone down in history as the "luckless soldier." Although beginning and ending his military career with success, his downfalls and failures on the battlefield far outweigh his victories. Not only was Ambrose plagued with lucklessness, he was also indecisive and reckless.
Ambrose Everett Burnside was born in Liberty, Indiana in 1824. He became a tailor's apprentice in his home town until he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. …
