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In May 1864 after assuming command of the Union Army, General Grant launched his offensive against Confederate General Robert E. Lee, marching towards Richmond, Virginia. By May 5 most of Grant's army had crossed the Rapidan River, where for three days they engaged the Confederate forces in the opening battles of the "Wilderness Campaign". On the second day of that battle the fierce enemy resistance forced the Union soldiers to fall back in a panic. "Our troops were rushing wildly to the rear," recalled Sergeant Leopold Karpeles, who earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that followed this retreat. "In vain did our colonel take a stand and called the boys to rally. I joined our colonel, waved the flag and likewise called on my comrades to halt and form on us. We held our position until we had gathered a sufficient force to make a charge. Presently the colonel commanded: 'Forward,' and he and I dashed ahead, I waving our flag high in the air. Our advance was entirely unexpected. It completely dazed the Confederates and brought their advance to an end. We held our position till nightfall, when we fall back in good order and reorganized our forces." |
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