Editor's Note: This memorial for reenactor Scott Mehaffey was included in our pages during the early years of our existence. With subsequent transition from TheWildGeese.com to TheWildGeese.irish, this eulogy was lost, until this month. Prompted by the renewed attention paid to TNT Films' Civil War epic "Gettysburg," we searched for and found this page. Scott appears as a lieutenant in the film alongside actor Sam Elliott. (Scott, we remember you fondly!)

MEHAFFEY, Scott W. (Died) Suddenly on Oct 14, 1997; Scott W. Mehaffey of Morgan, Pa.; formerly of West Mifflin. Veteran of the Navy and member of the Screen Actors Guild: Civil War Reenactor with Irish Brigade. Son of Charlotte ( Colledge) Balukas and the late William Mehaffey; grandson of Floyd Colledge; brother of Deborah Mazon and Jody Theis.                                                                                                             -- From Scott Mehaffey's published obituary

Scott's actual date of death was October 11th. The manner of his demise was self-inflicted, asphyxiation by hanging. His body remained undiscovered until the 14th, the date on the death certificate. Scott left no note and one can only surmise that the painful wound originating during his military service, along with severe financial and emotional difficulties, led him to the path of self-destruction. Scott began reenacting in the late 1970s, joining the IRISH BRIGADE, 116th Pennsylvania, Company I, about 1982. He was a coveted and valued member holding the ranks of Corporal, Sgt., 1st Sgt., and finally 2nd Lieutenant. He was devoted to the study of the Civil War and spent many sessions at the Gettysburg Civil War Symposiums with his father Bill. Scott was proud of the many film and publicity opportunities he worked on, most notable his appearance alongside Sam Elliot as a cavalry lieutenant in the film "Gettysburg." Scott also appeared in "Glory," "Last of the Mohicans," and several A&E "Civil War Journal" episodes. He posed as a soldier for artist Gil Cohen, whose illustrations are found on various places on the Gettysburg battlefield. Scott can be easily picked out in Cohen's Little Round Top sketch, and Scott appears several times in Cohen's Wheatfield illustration. Scott was a devoted friend and character -- rivaled by none. His passing will cause pain to those who knew him for many years. His memory will be cherished and nurtured by his multitude of friends. -- Mike Kraus, Commanding, Co. I, 116th Pennsylvania Infantry

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Above, Scott Mehaffey, far right, portrays a Confederate soldier on the set of the 1992 epic Civil War film "Gettysburg."