This corps of the branch of infantry was created by Col. Hiram C. Berdan, entering in service in September 2nd, 1861. Their main task was the role of skirmishers, killing officers and NCO’s in the enemy lines, and men in sentry duty in the camps at long range. During the war, there were only two regiments of Berdan Sharpshooters in the US Army, as the standards of recruitment were particularly high. Only the best within the best were suitable for the service. Each applicant was required to shoot ten consecutive and successful hits into a 10 inch circle at 200 yards distance.
The first Regiment was completed with 1.000 men into 10 companies with men of five states, New York, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont and Wisconsin. The second Regiment was filled with only eight companies with men of Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire. The Berdan Sharpshooters were involved in at least 65 engagements, most of them of a high importance like Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg or the Wilderness among many others, and in uncountable skirmishes. The regiment served for three years and was finally disbanded in December 31st, 1864
The uniform was a dark-green coat trimmed in light-green in collar and cuffs, dark-green forage cap with a black plume, and although initially they wore light blue trousers, these were later replaced with dark-green ones. In service the buttons of their coats were made of hard black rubber to avoid reflecting the light, giving away their position to the enemy. They wore brogans and leather gaiters to protect their legs in the shrubbery ground. A New York Post correspondent said they look like Robin Hood’s outlaws.
