The Hungarian - Julius H. Stahel

Stahel was born in the city of Szeged, Hungary, on November 5th, 1825. He was educated in his homeland's local schools. In 1846 he moved to Budapest and became a printer. This profession enabled him to meet many literary figures. In 1856 Stahel decided to leave Hungary behind for good. He arrived in America and settled in New York City. He found employment in the journalism trade.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Stahel and Ludwig Blenker, organized the 8th New York Volunteer Infantry, the first German-American regiment in the Union army. Stahel became the regiment's lieutenant colonel and Blenker its colonel.
At the First Battle of Bull Run, the 8th New York was assigned to the First Brigade of the Fifth Division. With Blenker in command of the brigade, Stahel led the regiment. Since the division constituted the Union army's reserve at Centreville, it was not engaged in the battle proper. Unlike many of the Union troops, Blenker's men did not disintegrate into a fleeing mob as the Confederates gained the upper hand, but held their ground in perfect formation, covering the retreat to Washington. For their valiant conduct on the battlefield, both Stahel and Blenker were promoted; Blenker was advanced to brigadier-general and Stahel became colonel of the 8th New York. Shortly afterwards, on November 12, Stahel received his star as a brigadier general.