Also known as the 5th German Rifles, was composed almost entirely of German immigrants. The 45th Regiment was among the first Union units to arrive at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, facing intense combat and suffering heavy artillery fire while deployed as skirmishers. By late afternoon, they were forced into a retreat through the streets of Gettysburg, with only about one-third of the regiment escaping to Cemetery Hill. Over the next two days, they assisted in reinforcing Union positions, helped repel Pickett’s charge, and ultimately suffered 224 casualties, with Captain Francis Irsch earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery in holding ground against Confederate forces.
More Information
- 45th New York Infantry Regiment Monument – Wikipedia
- 45th New York Infantry Regiment’s Monument – New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center
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