The Story of James Woby – Allentown Native & Civil War Hero

At sunset on June 15, 1864, 27-year-old James B. Woby, born and raised on Church Street in Allentown, NJ, charged up a hill outside of Petersburg, Virginia, in what was described as “a blizzard of Rebel bullets.” As his regiment’s color bearer, Woby was armed only with the Regimental flag, emblazoned with the motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” – “Thus always to tyrants.”

Miraculously, Woby survived and reached the top of the Confederate earthworks – which had been built with slave labor weeks before. The startled defenders saw Woby and fled. Woby’s fellow soldiers of the 22nd Colored Infantry took heart from his heroism and swarmed over the Confederate defenses.

Many heroes of the Civil War’s longest battle – the Siege of Petersburg – were honored, but Woby, although recognized in the press at the time for his gallantry, was not. Now, TAVI is working to bring Woby the long-overdue recognition he earned on the battlefield 162 years ago. TAVI is engaged with the offices of New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim to secure Woby’s posthumous nomination for a Medal of Honor, first established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 to honor extraordinary Civil War service.

On February 21, “The Story of James Woby – Allentown Native & Civil War Hero” begins with a pasta dinner at 5 pm in Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church St. There is a suggested donation of $5. RSVP by emailing mccormicknj@aol.com.

TAVI’s James Woby program is part of TAVI250, a year-long series of events celebrating America’s 250th birthday.