Fallen Eagles, Fallen Buckeyes: Ohio's Colonels Killed during the Civil War

                                                                                          Ohio Colonels in the Civil War

    During the Civil War, the state of Ohio lost 22 colonels killed in action, 6 in the eastern theater and 16 in the western theater. The importance of a regiment's colonel cannot be overstated- they set the tone and character of the regiment and many of the soldiers often looked upon their regimental commanders as father figures. The loss of a regiment's commander in action, even an unpopular one, tended to cast a pall over the organization and degrade its combat efficiency for a period of time. The circumstances of the leader's demise played an important role in how the soldiers processed the loss- a colonel lost while out in front leading the regiment in a successful effort (Colonel Joseph L. Kirby Smith of the 43rd Ohio for example) was viewed as a justifiable death and in 19th century parlance was "glorious." Conversely, the loss of Colonel William Creighton of the 7th Ohio during that regiment's ill-fated attack at Ringgold Gap well nigh ruined morale within his regiment. 

    This post memorializes these 22 colonels and gives some details into how they gave their last full measure of devotion on the battlefield with accounts largely drawn from Whitelaw Reid's superb two-volume compendium Ohio in the War. The eastern theater losses are given in the first section, the western theater in the second section. 

Colonel Augustus H. Coleman, 11th Ohio Infantry, killed at Antietam
(L.M. Strayer Collection)

Eastern Theater: 

Colonel John Williamson Lowe, 12th Ohio, killed in action September 10, 1861 at Carnifex Ferry, Virginia

Colonel John W. Lowe, 12th O.V.I. 

    "On the 10th of September, the 12th Ohio was ordered up to the support of the 10th Ohio in the battle at Carnifex Ferry," Whitelaw Reid noted. "The underbrush was thick and in order to handle his men satisfactorily, Colonel Lowe dismounted and advanced on foot at the head of his regiment. Soon, he was in front of a Rebel battery in the thickest of the fight and, a moment later, as he cheered his men forward, a rifle ball pierced his forehead and he fell dead, the first field officer from Ohio killed in battle in the war for the Union. His corpse was tenderly cared for by the chaplain of his regiment, carefully forwarded to his late home, and followed to its final resting place by a great and tearful congregation of stricken mourners." 

Colonel James Cantwell, 82nd Ohio, killed in action August 29, 1862 at Second Bull Run, Virginia. 

Colonel James Cantwell, 82nd O.V.I. 

    "At 9 a.m., Sigel's corps began a general advance and Milroy's brigade preceded the main body in battle order," Reid stated. "The 82nd Ohio and 3rd Virginia were deployed and supported by the other regiments of the brigade in column. The Rebel skirmishers were driven back through a dense timber to their main force which was posted behind a railroad embankment. When Milroy's brigade approached within a few yards of the embankment, some of the troops sprang from behind it and crying 'Don't fire on your friends,' threw down their arms while at the same time the remainder of the force opened a heavy volley. The ruse did not have its intended effect as the firing was returned vigorously."

    "The 82nd pressed forward and commenced scaling the embankment, a portion of the regiment passing through it in an opening for a culvert. Just at this moment, a large force of Rebels appeared on the regiment's right flank. The 82nd was now unsupported and it was necessary to change front in order to repel the new attack. The movement was executed successfully under a galling crossfire, but during the evolution, Colonel Cantwell fell from his horse dead, with the words of command and encouragement upon his lips. The brigade had already retired, and the regiment, under orders from Milroy, now withdrew." 

To learn more about the story of Colonel Cantwell's demise, check out "Butchered at Bull Run." 

Colonel Augustus Henry Coleman, 11th Ohio, mortally wounded September 17, 1862 at Antietam, Maryland (see picture above) 

    "Colonel Coleman at South Mountain displayed the ability of a successful commander," Reid noted. "In actions prior to this he had acted well and gallantly, but was not in positions where his services were so marked as in that of South Mountain. He was in the first on the bridge across Antietam Creek and while in the charging column he fell, pierced by a Rebel bullet which passed through his arm into his side. Although in great pain, he was in possession of his mental faculties during the few hours he lived. His last words were inquiries as to the fate of his men."

    To read Colonel Coleman's last letter, check out "Last Words: On the eve of Antietam with Colonel Augustus Coleman." 

Colonel Melvin Clarke, 36th Ohio, killed in action September 17, 1862 at Antietam, Maryland 

Colonel Melvin Clarke, 36th O.V.I. 

    "The 36th Ohio was actively engaged in the battle of Antietam, and constituted part of General Burnside's force on the left. In making a forward movement on the afternoon over open ground, it being a very large and sightly regiment, drew upon itself a heavy fire. In this fire, Colonel Clarke was instantly killed by a ten-pound shell while engaged in halting his regiment. Colonel Clarke was a native of Massachusetts, a man of great personal purity and word, a Christian gentleman and soldier. His death was deeply mourned by the regiment. His body was brought home and now sleeps under a tasteful monument erected by his fellow officers in the beautiful cemetery in Marietta." 

Colonel Robert Reily, 75th Ohio, mortally wounded May 2, 1863 at Chancellorsville, died of wounds May 3, 1863 at Chancellorsville, Virginia

 

Colonel Robert Reily, 75th O.V.I. 

    "On April 30th, the 75th Ohio took up its position on the extreme right flank of the Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville. The 11th Corps, surprised and overwhelmed by the impetuous Rebels, fell back in almost complete demoralization. Yet McLean's Ohio brigade, a part of that corps, merited the high praise for the bravery of its officers and men and the cool, steady manner in which it received the enemy under the most trying circumstances. Owing to the peculiar formation of the line and the nature of the ground at the point of the attack, but few troops could open on the enemy at any time. The 75th Ohio changed front under this severe fire and received the enemy in the most gallant manner. But the odds were too great, and to keep from being surrounded and captured, the brigade fell back in the direction of the Chancellor House. In the short space of half an hour, the 75th Ohio lost 150 men killed and wounded, including Colonel Robert Reilly of Cincinnati who fell mortally wounded and died on the field." 

    To learn more about the fight of McLean's Ohio brigade at Chancellorsville, check out "My God, what a scene it was! On the right flank at Chancellorsville." 

Colonel John T. Toland, 34th Ohio, Battle of Wytheville, killed in action July 18, 1863 at Wytheville, Virginia 

Colonel John T. Toland, 34th O.V.I.

    "In July 1863, Colonel Toland was placed in command of a mounted brigade including his own regiment and was directed to attempt the destruction of the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. By forced marches, he reached the railroad at Wytheville, Virginia on the afternoon of the 18th of July. With his usual bravery, he pushed into the town with his regiment, determined to drive the enemy out. Taking advantage of shelter in houses, the Rebels were enabled to pour a murderous fire into the Federal troops. Colonel Toland was at the head of his command on horseback, as he always was on such occasions, and presented a fair mark to the concealed sharpshooters. One of these, after several efforts, succeeded in sending a bullet with fatal certainty."

    "Colonel Toland  was shot from the window of a house in his immediate vicinity while seated on his horse engaged in giving orders surrounded by a few of his staff. The ball passed through his left breast. He fell forward on the neck of his horse, caught the mane with his right hand, but was caught by the tender hands of his faithful orderly. As he was lifted to the ground, he could only gasp, "My horse and my sword to my mother!" So, with the word on his lips which is the synonym for all gentleness, fell one who in his military career had shown himself to be a man without fear. One of his officers noted that Toland was " a man of strong, fierce will; he did the best he knew for his regiment, though not well-versed in much pertaining to military matters, save the feature of hard fighting. During the first year of service, the men of his regiment hated him; finally they almost forgot his violent temper in their admiration of his bravery."

Colonel Minor Millikin, 1st Ohio Cavalry, killed at Stones River

Western Theater: 

Colonel George Penny Webster, 98th Ohio, killed in action October 8, 1862 at Perryville, Kentucky 

Colonel George P. Webster, 98th O.V.I. 

    "The 98th Ohio left Steubenville for Covington, Kentucky on August 23rd, and from there matched to Lexington and thence to Louisville. Here Colonel Webster was placed in command of the 34th Brigade, Jackson's division, McCook's corps. In the Battle of Perryville, he fell from his horse mortally wounded and died on the field of battle. A man of high social position, and of rare and genial qualities, his place was not easily filled. His personal appearance was imposing: he was six feet two inches high and weighed 200 pounds."

    To learn more about Colonel Webster's demise, check out "Losing Colonel Webster: The 98th Ohio at Perryville." 

Colonel Joseph Lee Kirby Smith, 43rd Ohio, mortally wounded October 4, 1862 at Corinth, Mississippi, died of wounds October 12, 1862

Colonel Joseph Lee Kirby Smith, 43rd O.V.I. 

    "His regiment, being part of General David S. Stanley's division under Rosecrans, participated in the Battle of Corinth. During the first day of the battle, this division was not engaged, but on the second day, the Ohio Brigade of that division was placed in support of Battery Robinett, the point where one of the most determined assaults of the Rebels was made. The 43rd Ohio was in the hottest of this attack, and in its height, the beloved Smith was mortally wounded and died right days after."

    To learn more about Colonel Smith's demise, check out "Our Kirby: Colonel Joseph L. Kirby Smith and the 43rd Ohio at the Battle of Corinth." 

Colonel John Kell, 2nd Ohio, mortally wounded December 31, 1862 at Stones River, Tennessee 

Colonel John Kell, 2nd O.V.I. 

    Colonel Kell he was shot through the body early in the action. Major Anson McCook recalled that the regiment was in position near the Nashville Pike supporting Guenther's Battery H, 5th U.S. Light Artillery. "The men of our regiment were perfectly quiet, not a word being spoken except by the officers. I had been standing by Colonel Kell near the center watching the approach of the enemy and just before we began firing, he said, "You better go off to the right while I stay here." I started at once and the last I saw of him in life he was dismounted and leaning with one arm on his saddle, looking steadily at the advancing foe."

    "We had been under a scattering fire for a short time; as a few bullets had been coming us, but just as I started it increased in volume. I had hardly reached my station when I heard some of the men call my name and looking around, they pointed to the colonel who had fallen. I started towards him at once to see if I could be of service, but just then the attack struck us and it was then impossible for me to leave my post. I never again saw my old friend and comrade."

    "That night after the battle, one of the surgeons told me that a bullet had passed through the lower part of his chest from side to side, and that while they were examining the wound, the Colonel recovered sufficiently to ask about its character, and when told it was mortal, he was not at all disturbed but said, "All right," closed his eyes, and was dead in a few minutes. Colonel Kell was a faithful, gallant, and unassuming gentleman, one of the best and bravest officers the division lost."

    To learn more about the 2nd Ohio at Stones River, please check out "Capturing the Flag: The 2nd Ohio at Stones River." 

Colonel Joseph G. Hawkins, 13th Ohio, killed in action December 31, 1862 at Stones River, Tennessee

    Colonel Hawkins was killed as his regiment was trying to repulse a Confederate advance around midday on December 31, 1862. “The first line gave way and came back over us as we lay in line, but not a man gave way,” Captain Elhanan Mast recalled. Colonel Hawkins  spied the front-line regiments falling back in disorder and ordered his men to lie down behind the fence and ready themselves for the trial. He scarce uttered the words before a Confederate bullet ripped through his heart and “he breathed but twice after the fatal wound and received another wound in his neck after he fell,” one of his shocked subordinates remembered. 

    To learn more about the 13th Ohio at Stones River, please check out "Stones River Letters: Robert Wolfkill of the 13th Ohio." 

Colonel Frederick C. Jones, 24th Ohio, mortally wounded December 31, 1862 at Stones River, Tennessee 

Colonel Frederick C. Jones, 24th O.V.I. 

    "On the first day of the Battle of Stones River, the 24th Ohio was on the front and left of the line. In the afternoon, when the enemy assaulted the left fiercely, Colonel Jones ordered the regiment to lie down and hold its fire. When the enemy was within point-blank range, the regiment rose at the command of the colonel, poured in a deadly volley, and rushed forward in a charge. In this charge, almost an entire Rebel regiment was captured and Colonel Jones was killed. The fatal ball struck him in the right side and passed entirely through the body. He was borne to the rear, two of his bearers being shot while in discharge of the task and some of the best surgeons in the division were soon in attendance. He received the intelligence that his wound was mortal with apparently no surprise, replying, "I know it, I am dying now. Pay no attention to me, but look after my wounded men." Ten hours after receiving his wound, he died. His body was brought to Cincinnati and was buried at Spring Grove with military and civic honors." 

check out "Thirty-Three Holes in the Colors: The 24th Ohio at Stones River." 

Colonel Leander Stem, 101st Ohio, mortally wounded December 31, 1862 at Stones River, Tennessee, died of wounds January 5, 1863 at Murfreesboro, Tennessee 

Colonel Leander Stem, 101st O.V.I. 

    "The army closed in upon Murfreesboro and on the evening of the 30th, the 101st Ohio was engaged in a demonstration against the enemy in order to develop his position. During this movement, the Colonel took out his pipe, lighted it, and commenced to smoke when a shell came crashing through the timber, exploded near him, and covered him with dirt. He never moved a muscle, but smoked on, apparently as unconcerned as if he was sitting in his office. The next morning, the Battle of Stones River began in earnest and almost immediately it was evident that the right of the Union line would be forced to break. When Stem's regiment began to waver under a severe crossfire, he called out, "Stand by the flag now for the good old state of Ohio!" Instantly, he fell, mortally wounded. He was captured and conveyed to Murfreesboro where he died on the morning of January 5, 1863, just as the advance of the Union army entered the place. The regiment, upon being mustered out of service, appropriated a handsome sum for the erection of a monument which now stands over the colonel's grave, bearing touching inscriptions of love and admiration." 

To learn more about the circumstances of Stem's demise, please read "Charles Barney Dennis at Stones River Part 3." 

Colonel John Minor Millikin, Jr., 1st Ohio Cavalry, killed in action December 31, 1862 at Stones River, Tennessee (see picture above) 

   "In the battle of Stones River, Colonel Millikin [and his regiment] were sent to repel attacks of the Rebel cavalry on the rear of the army. Seeking to protect a valuable train, he ordered a charge and led it.  The force of the enemy was at this point superior, and he presently found himself with a small part of his regiment cut off. He refused to surrender and encouraged his men to cut their way out. A hand-to-hand encounter followed. Colonel Millikin's fine swordsmanship enabled him to protect himself with his saber. After a contest of some minutes with several assailants, one of them, enraged at his obstinate resistance, shot him with a revolver while he was engaged in parrying the strokes of another. The regiment charged again a few minutes later and recovered the body, but not before it had been stripped of sword, watch, and purse." [Private John Bowers of Co. K, 8th Texas Cavalry is credited with the shot that felled Millikin- the ball, entering the neck, severed the jugular.] 

    Major General George Thomas wrote to Millikin's parents after his demise. "It affords me the most sincere pleasure to express to you my utmost confidence in him, both as a friends, and as a brave, accomplished, and loyal officer- one on whose judgment and discretion I placed the greatest reliance. By his judicious, forbearing, yet firm course of conduct, he was enabled to overcome all prejudice against him in his regiment and his death is sincerely regretted by all. While mourning his loss, you have the consolation of knowing that he fell a Christian and a patriot, gallantly defending the honor of his country." 

    To learn more about Colonel Millikin's demise, check out "Losing Our Star of Hope: The Death of Colonel Minor Millikin at Stones River." 

Colonel Hiram Strong, 93rd Ohio, mortally wounded September 19, 1893 at the Battle of Chickamauga, died of wounds Oct 7, 1863 at Nashville, Tennessee

    Lieutenant Colonel William H. Martin provided some details of Colonel Strong's wounding in his after action report. On the morning of the 19th instant the 93rd Ohio Volunteers, under command of Col. Hiram Strong, was ordered as a support to the 5th Kentucky Volunteers, then marching in line of battle. The advance becoming engaged with the enemy, the enemy's batteries opened fire with shell, one shell exploding directly between Companies G and C (as we then lay at double column at half distance), wounding 6 men. After driving the enemy about a mile, met him strongly posted in the edge of a corn-field and thick woods. The 93rd Ohio was ordered to deploy in line of battle and take position the left of the 5th Kentucky. Companies A and K, in command of Maj. William Birch, were deployed as skirmishers and were immediately engaged with the enemy, and forced to fall back, losing several men killed, wounded, and missing.  After taking our position we were attacked by a superior force. The coolness and bravery of our men repulsed the enemy. In this engagement our brave and heroic colonel (Strong) was severely wounded and carried from the field."

Colonel Edward H. Phelps, 38th O.V.I. 

Colonel Edward Herrick Phelps, 38th Ohio, killed in action November 25, 1863 at Chattanooga, Tennessee

    As explained in John Banks' blog post "A Death on Missionary Ridge: We Deeply Mourn His Loss," Colonel Phelps was tasked with leading a brigade up Missionary Ridge on the afternoon of November 25, 1863. Phelps, so ill that he could scarcely mount his horse, led his brigade up the treacherous slope, yelling "Fix bayonets! Forward boys! Charge!" As the men reached the top, Phelps was struck down by a sharpshooter's bullet in the chest and died that afternoon. 

    A memorial marker indicating the precise location where Colonel Phelps was killed is located at Missionary Ridge near Chattanooga, Tennessee and a second monument resides above his grave at Forest Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio. 

Colonel William R. Creighton, 7th Ohio, killed in action Nov 27, 1863 at Ringgold Gap, Georgia

Colonel William R. Creighton, 7th O.V.I. 

    "Geary's division order was ordered to storm the heights. It formed in two columns on the railroad half a mile north of the Gap, the 7th Ohio occupying the right of the rear column. The assault commenced. Just as the steep declivity was reached, the advance was halted to return the enemy's fire. The rear column passed over it and entered a gorge that was directly in front. At this point, the gallant Creighton shouted to his regiment, "Boys, we are ordered to take that hill. I want to see you walk right up to it!" And up they went in the face of a merciless fire in front on right and left. Only one commissioned officer of the 7th was left uninjured. It was a fearful repulse, and all that was left of the shattered remnant was to fall back to the foot of the hill. The loss of the regiment was very severe; 19 killed and 61 wounded, and no positive advantage gained. This gallant charge cost the 7th Ohio dearly as two of its best and bravest officers went down before the fearful storm of bullets. The fiery Creighton and the unflinching Crane were killed, together with a score of noble and daring comrades." 

 To learn more about this disastrous charge at Ringgold Gap, please check out "Its Glory Seemed to Have Parted: The 7th Ohio at Ringgold." 

Colonel Joseph W. Vance, 96th O.V.I. 

Colonel Joseph W. Vance, 96th Ohio, killed in action April 8, 1864 at Sabine Crossroads, Louisiana

    The 55 year-old Vance was leading a brigade at Sabine Crossroads when the line came under heavy assault by the Confederates. Colonel Vance remained atop his horse trying to rally his command when he was struck by a bullet and died in Confederate captivity that night. Captain Joseph Leonard of the 96th Ohio reported that "When the enemy had disappeared from our front, we were ordered to fall back by Col. Vance, commanding Second Brigade, and had moved in good order about 150 yards to the rear, when a large body of the enemy that had turned the right flank of our first line were seen advancing rapidly to intercept us. The regiment at once formed a line to confront them, delivered an effective volley, and was reloading, when an aide-de-camp gave peremptory orders to withdraw beyond the enemy's advancing flank at double-quick, as the regiments on our left had already been cut off. This movement was carried out in as good order as the uneven ground would admit of, though for the entire distance we were exposed to an enfilading fire. At the crest of the hill we faced about on the line separating the cleared land and timber, and as Col. Vance had received a severe wound in the breast and fallen into the enemy's hand, Lieut.-Col. Brown assumed command of the brigade."

Colonel Marcus M. Spiegel, 120th Ohio, mortally wounded May 3, 1864 near Snaggy Point, Louisiana, died of wounds May 4, 1864 near Shreveport, Louisiana.

Colonel Marcus M. Spiegel, 120th O.V.I. 

    "On the 1st of May, 1864, the regiment embarked on the City Belle with orders to report to General John McClernand who had recently assumed command of the 13th Corps at Alexandria, Louisiana. At 4 p.m., while the transport bearing the 120th was turning a bend on Red River, a short distance above Snaggy Point, a body of the enemy suddenly rose from a concealed position behind the levee on the south bank of the river and poured in a murderous volley into the boat. The enemy's batteries also opened on the ill-fated boat and it was almost instantly rendered unmanageable by a shell."

    "Colonel Spiegel, in command, determined to hold the boat until the arrival of the gunboat Monarch which had convoyed the City Belle from the mouth of Red River to Snaggy Point. But the odds were too great, and after a gallant resistance of half an hour, the white flag was displayed. Two or three companies on the lower deck, not seeing the emblem of surrender, kept on firing, which so incensed the enemy that he also renewed the fire from both artillery and infantry. The boat, now totally unmanageable, floated to the opposite shore and a large portion of the regiment jumped ashore and escaped over the levee. Others remained on the boat, prevented from ascending the bank by the rapid firing of the enemy, covering the only spit at which the bank could be scaled. To prevent further effusion of blood, the white flag was again displayed and a formal surrender effected. Colonel Spiegel, Surgeon Stanton, Assistant Surgeon Gill, and many other officers along with 200 men fell into the hands of the Rebels besides the bodies of the killed. The gallant Colonel Spiegel was mortally wounded and died on the following morning." 

    To learn more about this unfortunate event, please check out "Disaster at Snaggy Point with the 120th Ohio." 

Colonel Alexander McIlvain, 64th O.V.V.I. 

Colonel Alexander McIlvain, 64th Ohio, mortally wounded May 8, 1864 at Rocky Face Ridge, Georgia

Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. Brown reported that “early in May, 1864, the regiment, with 23 commissioned officers and 316 enlisted men for duty, left Cleveland, Ten., Col. Alexander McIlvain commanding, and on the 8th instant secured a position on Rocky Face Ridge, closely confronting the enemy and overlooking Dalton; here bivouacked for the night. On the following day the brigade closed en masse, this regiment in advance, charged the enemy's works on the crest of the ridge, which proved disastrous to our forces, and especially my regiment. Upon that occasion fell the ever-memorable Col. Alexander McIlvain, a brave and energetic officer.” 

Wilbur Hinman noted the "peculiar" circumstances of Colonel McIlvain's demise in his Story of the Sherman Brigade. "At the point where the fighting had been hottest, there was a narrow gorge between the rocks which was completely covered at short range by the muskets of the enemy. In the ardor of the assault, some of the 64th pressed through this gorge and a number of them were killed or wounded, the others making their way back after it was found impossible to carry the position in front. While waiting for orders to retire, officers and men covered themselves behind the rocks and trees.    

Colonel McIlvain heard the cries of a wounded soldier who lay beyond the gorge and directed Captain Samuel M. Wolff to send a man to his assistance. Wolff, than whom no braver man ever drew sword, replied, "Colonel, it will be certain death to any man who attempts to pass between those rocks. If you order me to go, I will obey, but I will not send one of my men. If you wish to put me in arrest, here is my sword." Colonel McIlvain replied, "I will go myself!" 

Captain Wolff and the other officers endeavored to dissuade him, telling him that he would surely be shot and suggesting that it was nearly night and in a short time, under cover of darkness, the suffering man might be reached. But McIlvain was inexorable and started upon his errand.  He had no sooner entered the narrow pass than he fell, a bullet having passing entirely through his body. He was laid upon a stretcher and borne to the rear. Colonel Harker, whose tremulous voice showed how deeply he was affected, spoke to him as he was carried past, but the dying man was unable to answer intelligibly. Tears flowed freely from the eyes of Harker as he turned away."

Colonel Charles B. Gambee, 55th O.V.V.I. 

Colonel Charles B. Gambee, 55th Ohio, killed in action May 15, 1864 at Resaca, Georgia

    The 55th Ohio went into action on the afternoon of May 15, 1864, receiving orders to charge against an entrenched Confederate position. "Lieutenant Pliny Watson of the 55th Ohio was serving as an aide on Colonel Wood's staff and about 12:30 p.m. brought the orders to the commanding officers of the regiments of the brigade," remembered Captain Hartwell Osborn. "The 55th Ohio was moving in column of fours at the head of the brigade and had halted for orders when he came galloping up to Colonel Gambee to advise him that 'the position would be forced at once.' Colonel Gambee was a veteran of many battles and had won his eagles by hard service and proved himself a very brave man, but when he received this order, he turned pale, trembled in his saddle, and did not recover his composure for some moments. He was soon called upon to form line, and showed no further signs of emotion, but I was greatly moved by the incident which afterwards proved prophetic." 

    Lieutenant P.C. Lathrop of Co. A recalled the engagement and Colonel Gambee's demise. "In our charge down the hill, we reached a slight depression of ravine separating the higher from a much lower hill along the brow of which the 55th boys, all along the line, were lying flat upon their faces, but firing at every head that appeared above the enemy's breastworks only about 30 rods away, the Johnnies returning fire at a lively rate. Of course, many of our boys were hit, some wounded, and many killed. I was in command of Co. A (Gambee's old company) and lying upon the ground some 10-15 feet lower down the hill but immediately behind my company. Just behind me and to my right sat Colonel Gambee behind a pile of rails. Having several times been solicited to do so, I arose and and went to sit down besides the colonel. It was only a few minutes afterwards that the Johnnies made a charge upon our line. We immediately jumped to our feet and as the colonel opened his lips to issue a command, a bullet struck in in the breast, and he fell backwards into my arms dead- killed instantly. A glorious death as I view it now, but his sudden and unexpected fate seemed at the moment to madden me. I laid him down carefully and taking his revolver from his belt and ran forward to rejoin my company." 

Colonel John H. Patrick, 5th O.V.V.I.

Colonel John Halliday Patrick, 5th Ohio, killed in action May 25, 1864 near New Hope Church, Georgia 

    "In the Atlanta campaign, Colonel Patrick, with his regiment, was actively engaged until May 25, 1864 when, at Dallas, while charging a masked battery, he was struck in the bowels by a canister shot and half an hour later he expired." 

    Lieutenant John Paver of the 5th Ohio recalled that Colonel Patrick had a presentiment that his end was near. "About May 25th, we were at or near Pumpkin Vine Creek and before crossing the creek and while our command was temporarily at rest under arms, I was summoned to report to Colonel Patrick for consultation. As I approached to where he was sitting alone, waiting for me to report, the sharpshooters caught sight of me and many a whizzing ball came uncomfortably close. I was hailed by the boys to look out or they would get me. Reporting to the colonel, I found him in a deep study and the first words he said were 'I have a presentiment that during the next advance, all indications point for its being a hard fight, I believe I won't get through.' Saying this, he handed me some rings and little trinkets that had belonged to his wife, giving me instructions as to whom they should be sent should his presentiment of death prove true. We did not talk long."

    "The command went forward and I retired to my post of duty. In this advance, our colonel received a mortal wound from a canister shot, his horse having been killed about the same time. His body was taken care of and under the escort of Private Samuel Hall of Co. C, was sent north and afterwards was buried in Wesleyan Cemetery in Cincinnati." 

Colonel William A. Choate, 38th O.V.V.I. 

Colonel William Alden Choate, 38th Ohio, mortally wounded September 1, 1864 during the regiment's charge at Jonesboro, Georgia; died of wounds September 12, 1864 at Atlanta, Georgia 

    Lee Rudisill recalled that Colonel Choate fell within 20 feet of the enemy rifle pits which he explains at length in "Amid a Very Hell of Carnage: Charging Jonesboro with the 38th Ohio."