"Hold The Ground At All Hazards"

On the afternoon of July 2, 1863, Union General Gouverneur K. Warren found Little Round Top undefended and quickly sent his staff to find troops to defend this vital position. General George Sykes, commanding the 5th Corps, agreed to send a brigade to occupy the hill, but Sykes' orders were intercepted by Colonel Strong Vincent, commanding the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps. Without waiting for approval from his commanding officer, Vincent took responsibility for moving his brigade to Little Round Top. Riding ahead of his troops, he ascended the hill and selected the ground where his brigade would make its defense, personally placing each of his four regiments. He entrusted his left flank to Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain's 20th Maine and ordered him to hold the ground at all hazards. Within minutes of forming its line, Vincent's brigade was assaulted by Confederate regiments of Law's and Robertson's brigades. A desperate battle ensued across the entire brigade line. The line held, but the cost was high, including Vincent, who was mortally wounded.

Pennsylvania · United States