The 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers at Gettysburg: Like Ripe Apples in a Storm

While the Battle of Gettysburg is often remembered for Chamberlain's dramatic defense of Little Round Top, Pickett and Pettigrew's tragic charge, and the stand of the "Iron Brigade," less-remembered units like the 151st Pennsylvania were also crucial in the Civil War's most famous battle. Relatively untried, and near the end of its nine-month term of service, the 151st nonetheless suffered greatly and served bravely in important actions against Pettigrew's North Carolinians on July 1, and was involved in repulsing the famous Confederate charge two days later. During the course of the battle, the 151st lost over 72 percent of its men to death, wounds, or capture, the second-highest-percentage loss of all Federal units at the battle. This is the account of that courageous and often overlooked unit and its role in this decisive moment in American history. The foreword is by noted Gettysburg scholar Timothy H. Smith. Also included are an index, bibliography, and photographs and other illustrations, including maps.

Michael A. Dreese is the author of five books and numerous journal articles on topics including Pennsylvania and the American Civil War. An award-winning photographer, he is the president of the Friends and Descendants of the 151st Pennsylvania, and vice-president of the Susquehanna Civil War Round Table. He lives in Kreamer, Pennsylvania.