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15th
Wisconsin Infantry
| Regimental History |
| Fifteenth Infantry. — Cols., Hans C. Heg, Ole C. Johnson; Lieut. -
Cols., Kiler K. Jones, David McKee, Ole C. Johnson; Majs., Charles M. Reese, Ole C.
Johnson, George Wilson. Lieut. -Col. Jones' commission was revoked, March 1, 1862, and
David McKee was given the commission as his successor. This was a Scandinavian regiment
and was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, in Dec, 1861, and Jan., 1862. It was mustered
in Feb. 14, 1862, and left the state March 2, being ordered to Bird's point, Mo. Six
companies were sent to take part in the siege of Island No. 10, and at the surrender the
entire regiment was used in garrisoning and strengthening the fortifications. Cos. G and I
were left as a permanent garrison and the remaining eight companies were sent to Kentucky
and thence to Mississippi. They joined the Army of the Cumberland and were sent to
Nashville; then returned to Kentucky and participated in the battle of Perryville, being
exposed to a heavy fire, but not losing a man. The regiment was sent in pursuit of
Morgan's guerrillas and returned with 50 prisoners and many horses and wagons, having
destroyed guerrilla premises, a distillery, whisky and grain, for which it received Gen.
Rosecrans' compliments. The regiment was in a sharp fight at Nolensville pike in December
losing 75 killed and wounded, and on the 30th and 31st was in the advance towards
Murfreesboro. This brought it into action at Stone's river, where it made a name for
itself for endurance and courage, losing in two days 119 in killed, wounded and missing.
In the battle of Chickamauga it was engaged in a terrific contest with the enemy's main
line, being hurried into line on the double-quick to fill a gap, its accompanying regiment
leaving it unsupported. An Illinois regiment was sent forward, but soon fell back, and
believing the 15th to have done likewise, opened fire, bringing the 15th under fire from
friends and foes and compelling it to break lines and escape as best it could. The next
day it was ordered into a gap and twice repulsed the enemy, but being left without support
and nearly surrounded, it was again compelled to break ranks and retire. It lost in the
two days 101, leaving but 75 men on duty. At Missionary ridge the regiment was the first
to occupy Orchard knob. It was in the advance at Buzzard Roost and Rocky Face ridge; in
the engagement at Resaca, charging the first line of the enemy's intrenchments ; was in
the engagements about Dallas, losing 83 in killed, wounded and prisoners ; in the assault
on Kennesaw mountain ; was in reserve at Peachtree creek, and was engaged in the battle of
Jonesboro. The regiment then performed provost and guard duty until mustered out. Cos. A,
B, C and E were mustered out in Dec, 1864, and the others in Jan. and Feb., 1865, at
Chattanooga. The recruits and reenlisted veterans were transferred to the 24th Wis.
infantry and later to the 13th. The original strength of the regiment was 801. Gain by
recruits, 97; substitutes, 1; veteran regnlistments, 7; total, 906. Losses by death, 267;
missing, 23; desertion, 46; transfer, 47; discharge, 204; mustered out, 320. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 4
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