Father Emmeran Bliemel, OS.B., the first American Chaplain to die on the battlefield was killed during the Battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, on August 31, 1864. This battle would end the Campaign of Atlanta.

As Chaplain of the 10th Tennessee Regiment he courageously and unselfishly ministered to the spiritual needs of his Confederate comrades, both under fire and behind the lines. He died while giving the Last Rites to his Commanding Officer, Colonel William Grace. He also ministered to the men of the 4th Kentucky Regiment (the Orphan Brigade) CSA.

A member of the order of Saint Benedict, at Saint Vincent's Archabbey Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he died a hero's death while doing the work of his Lord and Master.

A medal of honor was awarded from the historic National Organization of the Sons of Confederate Veterans to the Patrick R. Cleburne Camp 1361, in his behalf on March 12, 1983. It was first displayed in the City Hall of Jonesboro, Georgia.

A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson lives near the historic town of Kennesaw, home of the locomotive "The General" from the War Between the States. He is Chairman of the Confederate History and Heritage Month for the Georgia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans. His email is: cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net.