$1,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR THEFT OF BRONZE PLAQUES
                       FROM CHICKAMAUGA BATTLEFIELD

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Superintendent Shawn
Benge announces a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest
and successful prosecution of the individuals responsible for the theft of
two bronze plaques from the Chickamauga Battlefield.  The reward money is
being provided by The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park.

On September 11, 2007, Park Rangers discovered that the bronze plaques had
been stolen from 42nd and 88th Indiana Infantry Regiment monuments, both
located along Glenn-Kelly Road in the Chickamauga Battlefield. Each plaque
measures 12” x 18”.  The monuments were placed on the battlefield in 1898
by Indiana veterans to commemorate their participation in the Battle of
Chickamauga in the fall of 1863.

Superintendent Benge stated, “This callous act has robbed the American
people of historic cultural resources critical to understanding the battle
action at Chickamauga. The memory of all veterans who fought at Chickamauga
has been desecrated by this senseless act.  I am hopeful that the local
community will embrace our efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

The theft of these commemorative plaques is a felony violation of the
federal Archeological Resources Protection Act.  Criminal penalties may
include up to 5 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.

If you have any information about this crime, please contact Supervisory
Park Ranger Jim Staub at (706) 866-6627 or via e-mail at Jim_Staub@nps.gov.