The Daily Debrief
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Traditions · Hard
Which Union general is credited with creating the bugle call Taps in July 1862, working out its 24 notes with his brigade bugler at Harrison's Landing, Virginia?
The answer is B: Daniel Butterfield
After the Seven Days Battles, Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield felt the standard lights-out call was too formal to honor his men, so he reworked the notes with his brigade bugler, Oliver Norton, who sounded the new call that night. Buglers from neighboring brigades asked for copies, and the call spread through both Union and Confederate camps. It was first used at a military burial that same month, was officially recognized by the Army in 1874, and became mandatory at military funerals in 1891.
Source: clintonwhitehouse3.archives.govAbout The Daily Debrief
One military trivia question a day, drawn from military history, equipment, traditions, famous veterans, and VA benefits. Every answer links to its source, so you leave with the story, not just the letter. A new question posts each morning, Eastern time.
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