Angelo Crapsey - a victim of Post Traumatic Stress - 147 years ago

In 1861, 18-year-old Angelo Crapsey enlisted in the Union Army. His commanding officer called him the “ideal of a youthful patriot.” 

Angelo in 1861 - Pray that he is with God

In letters sent over the course of two years, Angelo's attitude toward the Civil War darkened after he experienced combat and witnessed the deaths of countless soldiers, including several by suicide. 

By 1863, Angelo was hospitalized, feverish and delirious; eventually he was sent home to Roulette, Pennsylvania. Becoming paranoid and violent, he killed himself in 1864 at age 21. 

His father John stated, “If ever a man’s mental disorder was caused by hardships endured in the service of his country, this was the case with my son.” 

After the Civil War, over half of the patients in mental institutions were veterans.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Angelo Crapsey is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

The Civil War Dead that Angelo witnessed

Note: To learn more about Angelo and about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the current era, look at the documentary called  "WarTorn 1861-2010". 

A link to this documentary is this:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1754858/