Richard W. Dowling Bookmark

Front:

January 14, 1837 – September 12, 1867 – Lieutenant Commanding 1st Texas Heavy Artillery, CSA – Battle of Sabine Pass, Texas. September 8, 1863. Hero of Sabine Pass. “One of the most brilliant and heroic achievements in the history of this war.” – Congressional Resolution, Confederate Legislature

Back: …

Front:

January 14, 1837 – September 12, 1867 – Lieutenant Commanding 1st Texas Heavy Artillery, CSA – Battle of Sabine Pass, Texas. September 8, 1863. Hero of Sabine Pass. “One of the most brilliant and heroic achievements in the history of this war.” – Congressional Resolution, Confederate Legislature

Back:

When the Invading armada of 4 warships and 22 troop transports appeared off the coast of Lt. Dowling’s mud fortress he was issued discretionary orders to evacuate his 42 men. All agreed to stand and fight with their 6 old artillery cannon and small arms. They received furious but ineffective bombardment from the warships as they carefully awaited the enemy to close within range. At Lt. Dowling’s signal his cannon fired 137 projectiles in 45 minutes; disabling 3 warships, capturing 2 and inflicting over 400 casualties and the surrender of 350 more. The invasion of Texas by sea had been defeated and the remaining ships turned and headed into the Gulf of Mexico.