Later life Joshua Chamberlain

chamberlain later in life in portland, wearing uniform , medals

in 1893, 30 years after battle made 20th maine famous, chamberlain awarded medal of honor actions @ gettysburg. citation commends him daring heroism , great tenacity in holding position on little round top against repeated assaults, , carrying advance position on great round top. in many other civil war actions, controversy arose when 1 of subordinate officers stated chamberlain never ordered charge @ gettysburg. claim never affected chamberlain s fame or notoriety, however. original medal lost, , later rediscovered in 2013, , donated pejebscot historical society in brunswick, maine. second, redesigned medal issued in 1904 housed @ bowdoin college.

in 1898, @ age of 70, still in pain wounds, volunteered duty officer in spanish–american war. rejected duty, called 1 of major disappointments of life.

in 1905, chamberlain became founding member of maine institution blind, in portland, called iris network. chamberlain s wife herself visually impaired, led him serve on organization s first board of directors.

beginning first election governor of maine , continuing end of life, chamberlain active in grand army of republic. despite continual pain , discomfort wounds of 1864, made many return visits gettysburg , delivered speeches @ soldiers reunions. made last known visit on may 16 , 17, 1913, while involved in planning 50th anniversary reunion. because of deteriorating health, unable attend reunion less 2 months later.