Artillery Employment at the Battle of Gettysburg
Abstract
This thesis analyzes how Union artillery forces were employed during the Battle of Gettysburg, 1-3 July 1863. It examines the significance of the Union artillery's contribution to the Federal victory and explores all aspects of the tactical employment of the Union artillery on the first and last days of the battle. A brief description of the evolution of artillery organization in the Army of the Potomac prior to the battle is included. This is followed by the chronological presentation of the tactical employment of artillery during the battle. First its employment in the meeting engagement on 1 July is examined, followed by a study of its use on the decisive third day when Union forces fought a setpiece defensive battle. Conclusions include: 1) the Army of the Potomac's corps artillery brigades and army artillery reserve proved to be responsive and efficient organizations in fulfilling their fire support mission and, when coupled with the skillful use of artillery and aggressive leadership by the army's Chief-of-Artillery, Brigadier General Henry Hunt, were crucial to the successful employment of the Union artillery forces. The author concludes that the Union artillery under the command of Gen. Hunt had a decided and positive influence on the Federal victory by successfully employing its corps artillery brigades and army artillery reserve as part of a combined arms force. Keywords: Artillery units; Military tactics; Battles history.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212478
Entities
People
- Mark R. Gilmore
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College