If history is a living entity, then the 69th Infantry Regiment is its beating heart—one that has marched through centuries, wars, continents, and generations with unwavering courage and loyalty. In his exceptional book From Dublin to Bull Run to Baghdad and Beyond, James P. Tierney immortalizes the legacy of the 69th, a regiment whose story embodies the grit of immigrant soldiers, the strength of tradition, and the honor of service.

A Regiment Steeped in Legacy

The 69th Infantry Regiment, famously known as “The Fighting 69th,” is one of the most iconic units in American military history. From its Irish immigrant roots in New York City to its pivotal roles in major U.S. conflicts, the regiment is synonymous with bravery, resilience, and a deeply held sense of identity.

Tierney’s narrative traces this lineage back to the National Guard’s structure before 1959, when regiments served as the foundational tactical and administrative units. Each regiment was a reflection of its community, acting as both a military force and a social institution. Soldiers often spent their entire careers in the same regiment, forging bonds that went far beyond the battlefield.

The 69th was no exception. In fact, it was the rule by which regimental pride was measured.

More Than a Unit – A Living Community

In Tierney’s hands, the story of the 69th unfolds not just as a chronology of battles, but as a chronicle of people. Irish immigrants made up the early ranks, bringing with them a fiery spirit of freedom and a defiant resistance to oppression. These men saw service in the Civil War, earning the unit its nickname during the Battle of Fredericksburg, where their ferocity became legend.

As Tierney follows the regiment through the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and into the 21st-century conflicts in Iraq, the reader witnesses the transformation of warfare—but not the transformation of values. The same honor and unity that defined the 69th in 1861 still beats in the hearts of its soldiers today.

The Role of Tradition in Modern Times

One of the most unique elements Tierney explores is the concept of regimental heritage and the ceremonial roles that preserve it. With the 1959 reorganization of the National Guard, traditional regiments were phased out in favor of battle groups and later battalions. But in 1993, the regimental system was reestablished—not to alter modern military structure, but to retain the sense of belonging that regiments offered.

Today, every soldier is assigned to a regiment. And for the 69th, the roles of Honorary Colonel of the Regiment (HCOR), Regimental Adjutant, Honorary Regimental Sergeant Major, and Historian ensure the past is never forgotten. These unpaid, ceremonial positions carry the responsibility of preserving the lineage, customs, and esprit de corps of the regiment.

Tierney presents these roles not as formalities, but as living embodiments of tradition—individuals who connect the past with the present and inspire future generations of soldiers.

From Dublin to Baghdad – A Journey Through Time

Tierney paints a vivid portrait of how the 69th has evolved yet remained consistent in purpose. Whether storming the fields at Bull Run, enduring trench warfare in France, or deploying to the deserts of Iraq, the regiment has always carried with it a sense of mission and moral duty.

A Must-Read for Lovers of History and Valor

Readers who are passionate about military history, immigrant contributions to America, or the power of tradition will find From Dublin to Bull Run to Baghdad and Beyond an unforgettable experience. Tierney offers not just information, but insight.