Malloy is by all accounts a connoisseur of history, and the Civil War era is his calling card. Malloy is a Civil War re-enactor, with the GAR, 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry, Company B. and is headquartered out of Jamestown, much like the original organization. The re-enactment troop is a non-for-profit organization, family-friendly, performance- and educational-based group and his unit is looking for a ‘Few Good Men and Women’ to ‘Be All That You Can Be.’

“We re-enact Civil War battles around the county,” said Aiden Malloy. “This year we’ve been to or are going to Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virgina and New York state.”

The current 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry, Company B. draws its historical roots to the military unit of the same designations and title that was part of the nation’s GAR.

“Company B was formed out of Jamestown,” said Adam Malloy, Aiden’s father, and Captain With the 72nd, B. Company Troop and acts as the company commander. “In 1861 the company stood up here in Jamestown, but when the company was mustered out of service at the end of 1864, only 11 soldiers returned home out of close to 1,000 soldiers.”

Aiden Malloy, a student at Jamestown High School is pictured here, last rank, first person in the file with a folded cover marching during a Civil War re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg during a July 4th celebration.

According to battlefields.org, the average strength of an all-volunteer Union Army company had an authorized muster strength of 866 to 1,046 soldiers.

“It’s been historically reported and confirmed. that Jamestown hosted a parade for the returning 11 soldiers who survived the war,” said Adam Molloy.

However, as dangerous as the actual Civil War was, Malloy insists that joining his unit is not only safe, but an act of service designed to bring history to life in a real and meaningful way. Much like today’s modern military – promotion is earned and not given.

“All who join come in as privates,” said Aiden Molloy. “However, after a year you can test for a non-commissioned officer rank,” he said. “The test consists of military history and knowledge, drill and ceremony and a few other simple things.”

According to operationmilitarykids.org, non-commissioned officers are military officers who do not have a commission; reach their rank via promotion by working through enlisted ranks; are respected and command those with a lower rank and leadership responsibilities and opportunities increase when enlisted members reach NCO ranks.

Members of the 72nd, New York Volunteer Infantry, Company B. Civil War re-enactors assisted with a battle scene at Gettysburg National Park, during a re-enactment of the actual battle which took place July 1 - July 3, 1863. Father and son re-enactors Adam and Aiden Malloy of Jamestown took part in it.

“Not much has changed,” said Adam Molloy who is also a veteran of the United States Army. “The NCOs in our reenactment organization pretty much still do the same jobs.”

According to Aiden Molloy’s travels, teaching of history, making new friends and visiting different states makes becoming a member of the organization a worthy endeavor.

“If you have a passion for history…consider joining us. If you enjoy bringing history to life in a real and meaningful way for communities…consider joining us. If you want to travel, spend more quality time with your family and keep our history alive…consider joining us,” he said.

Adam Malloy believes that membership is easy and that he can set an interested individual up with loaner gear and uniforms.

“We welcome all who have an interest in this to come and try re-enacting,” said Adam Molloy. “We have temporary gear, uniforms, muskets…and an entire “kit” to get one started before they purchase their own.”

For more information see 72nd New York Volunteer Infantry Company B on Facebook, email 72NDNYVICOB@gamil.com.