The Wheatfield by Stephen Lang

An inspiring story of sacrifice, courage and selflessness, The Wheatfield tells the story of Union Soldier, James Jackson Purman as he vividly recalls the Battle of Gettysburg and his fateful encounters with friends and foe. Returning to Gettysburg 50 years after the battle, Purman and other battle-weary Civil War veterans gather in harmony, stripping away their former allegiances to north and south in hopes of peaceful fellowship.

Stephen Lang

Acclaimed stage and screen actor, playwright, and author Stephen Lang has explored the nature of heroism, both as author and actor in Beyond Glory, His Dark Land and The Wheatfield. His films include Gettysburg, Gods and Generals, Tombstone and Avatar. Receiving many honors for his work including the New York State Archives History Award, Lang is the recipient of the inaugural Kinsley Award from the Gettysburg Foundation, recognizing his dedication and commitment to the preservation of the battlefield and its history.

James Jackson Purman

A 22-year-old lieutenant serving with the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, James Jackson Purman earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism in the Wheatfield.  The citation for the honor reads "Voluntarily assisted a wounded comrade to a place of apparent safety while the enemy were in close proximity; he received the fire of the enemy and a wound which resulted in the amputation of his left leg."
(Book illustrations by the Brothers Smith)