Third Brigade

On July 2 after 4 p.m., the Army of the Potomac's Fifth Corps First Division Third Brigade, commanded by Col. Strong Vincent and Col. James C. Rice and composed of the 20th Maine, 16th Michigan, 44th New York, and 83d Pennsylvania Infantry, moved with the division left in front to support the Third Corps line. The brigade was detached and took position on Little Round Top, advancing to the crests at the south and southwest, with the 20th Maine, 83d Pennsylvania, 44th New York, and 16th Michigan posted from left to right. They were immediately attacked by Brig. Gen. Law's Brigade, and the fighting continued for over two hours until dark, when the attack was repulsed with great loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. More than 500 prisoners, including 15 commissioned officers, were captured. After dark, the 20th Maine and 83d Pennsylvania extended their lines to the summit of Round Top. On July 3, the brigade took position about noon with the Second Brigade near the left center of the main battle line and remained in reserve through the day under severe shelling but without loss. On July 4, it made a reconnaissance to the front and found no Confederate forces in the positions they had occupied the previous day. Its casualties were 6 officers and 83 men killed, 17 officers and 236 men wounded, and 11 men captured or missing, for a total of 353.

Pennsylvania · United States