Claim: Colonel Walter Phelps served the United States Army for more than 30 years.
Evidence: Walter P. Phelps Jr. (Oct 29, 1832–February 20, 1878) was an officer in the Union Army throughout the American Civil War, serving as commanding officer of the Eastern Iron Brigade. United States of America
Union United States Army
Union Army When the war ended Phelps had been give a brevet promotion to Brigadier General on March 13, 1865 before mustering out of the volunteer army. Phelps died suddenly on February 28, 1878 - a Friday - in Bennington, Vermont.