Old Abe was the Civil War mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He came to them after being taken from a nest by a Native American, then traded to a fellow for a bushel of corn. Soon realizing the Bald Eagle made a terrible pet, he eventually sold the bird for $2.50 to Captain John E. Perkins. who was in charge of the “Eagle Regiment”.
In short order, a shield-shaped perch was created, and Old Abe was present in all of the 8th Wisconsin’s battles. Confederate General Sterling Price once remarked, “that bird must be captured or killed at all hazards, I would rather get that eagle than capture a whole brigade or a dozen battle flags.”
Despite the order, Old Abe would survive the war, with only a few broken feathers that got grazed by a bullet. His handler faired as good, with only a tear in his shirt from similar ammunition.
Old Abe lived out the remainder of his life in an aviary in the Wisconsin Capitol building. Since 1921, Old Abe’s head, in profile, has served as the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 101st Airborne Division.
To read more about the history of Old Abe visit the US Army website.