On November 16, 1863, the 17th Michigan served in the Rear Guard with the 2nd Michigan, 20th Michigan, and 100th Pennsylvania to protect the rest of Burnside's army as it retreated into the defenses of Knoxville. General Longstreet's Confederates caught up with the 17th Michigan skirmishers of the Rear Guard at Turkey Creek, a few hundred yards from this spot. Almost cut off, Captain Frederick Swift of Company E and Sgt. Joseph Brandle, the flag bearer, rallied the regiment and stopped the Confederates from overrunning them and the rest of the guard. For this action, Captain Swift and Sgt. Brandle received the Medal of Honor. The 17th Michigan lost 7 killed and 52 wounded.