The men of Company A, 1st Eastern Shore Maryland Infantry, U.S. enlisted for three years in the Union Army during the American Civil War. They were discharged the following year after only eleven months of service. "A Year in the Guard" sheds light on a neglected aspect of Delmarva Maryland history by following the men of Company A from their enlistment and encampment in Cambridge, MD through their participation in the invasion into Eastern Virginia. Their duties and camp life are illustrated by newspapers and personal accounts. Special attention is focused on their discharge, disputing previous claims that they refused orders. A brief biographical summary is included for each soldier in the Company.