About Me

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I am a lifelong student of military history with particular interest in the Battle of Antietam. I work for the federal government in Washington DC and have two young adult children who I love very much. I currently volunteer at Antietam and devote much time to the study of this battle and the Maryland Campaign. I enjoy collecting notable contemporary quotations by and about the men of Antietam. Since 2013 I have been conducting in depth research on the regular artillery companies of the Union Army and their leaders. I hope to turn this into a book on this subject in the future. My perspective comes from a 28-year career in the U.S. Army. Travels took me to World War II battlefields in Europe and the Pacific where American valor ended the tyranny of Nazism and Empire. But our country faced its own greatest challenge 80 years earlier during the Civil War. And it was the critical late summer of 1862, when Robert E. Lee launched the Maryland Campaign. It is an incredible story of drama, carnage, bravery, and missed opportunities that culminated around the fields and woodlots of peaceful Sharpsburg MD. So join me as I make this journey South from the North Woods.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Out Early!!


John Hoptak’s long awaited new book The Battle of South Mountain is now available. It was not scheduled for release until March 7th but John advises on his blog that it is now available from publisher History Press or through the major online book retailers.

I am sincerely looking forward to reading my copy once it arrives. This prequel to the Battle of Antietam has cried out for an up to date interpretation and John is just the man to do it.


I sincerely wish John all the best in his latest writing endeavor.



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1 comment:

  1. John David HoptakFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Thanks, Jim. I just hope I got it right. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts.

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