Colonel
Paul Frank
(? - 1875)
Home State: New York
Command Billet: Commanding Regiment
Branch of Service: Infantry
Unit: 52nd New York Infantry
 
see his Battle Report
Before Antietam
The 52nd Infantry was mustered into the United States service on October 25, 1861, with Col. Paul Frank, formerly of the Sigel Rifles, commanding. His was mainly a German organization, being formed by the consolidation of two skeleton regiments, the German Rangers and Sigel Rifles, both of which were recruited in New York City.
 
On the Campaign
While in immediate reserve near the Sunken Road Col. Frank saw two enemy regiments on his Brigade's right flank and led the 52nd, with the 2nd Delaware, on an attack that pushed the enemy back. The 7th New York, another German Regiment, supported the left of the 52nd.
 
The rest of the War
He was at Fredericksburg (Dec 1862) and Chancellorsville (May 1863), where he was wounded. He returned to the Regiment shortly after Gettysburg in July 1863. By the battle at Bristoe Station in October 1863, Col Frank was in command of the Brigade.
At Spotsylvania on 9 May 1864 his officers complained to Gen Barlow that Col. Frank was too drunk to command. Later that day, he was relieved for drunkenness by Gen Hancock, and command of the brigade was given to Col Brown, 145th PA.
He was honorably mustered out of the service 28 October 1864.