Synopsis
The 15th Indiana Infantry Regiment was in the forefront of two of the most decisive battles in the Western Theater of the Civil War. In the Battle of Stones River, the 15th played a crucial role in reversing the tide of the battle, which was almost a total disaster for the Union forces. At the battle of Chattanooga, the 15th claimed to be the first regiment to plant a flag on the summit of Missionary Ridge during the famous charge up the slope. At both of these battles, the 15th paid a tragic price in dead and wounded. However, these battles were key to defeating the Rebels in the west. The book starts out with recruitment in Lafayette, Indiana, and follows the regiment's campaign in western Virginia, then to Kentucky and the march to Shiloh where they participated in the second day of the battle at Shiloh. From Shiloh, they took part in the occupation of Corinth and the invasion of northern Mississippi
About the Author
Samuel A. Passo, a native Hoosier from Indianapolis, has a great interest in Civil War history. Sam is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U. S. Army Dental Corps and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Sam married Karen D. Williams, who had a great-great grandfather, Major Frank White, of the 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Frank White was later a Lieutenant Colonel with the 17th Indiana Infantry (Mounted) Regiment, and brevetted Brigadier General of Indiana volunteers. Frank White is also mentioned prominently in the personal memoirs of both General U. S. Grant and General Phil Sheridan. From a history search on the Internet, Sam contacted Bill Crane. Bill had a great grandfather in the 15th Indiana Infantry Regiment, Corporal Elijah Crane. When Sam told Bill that he intended to write a book about the 15th, Bill volunteered to help him in this endeavor. Sam invited him to be co-author. Billie J. Crane was born in Pine Village, Indiana, also the hometown of Colonel George D. Wagner, who in 1861 organized and was appointed commander of the 15th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Bill had an interest in this regiment because his great grandfather, Corporal Elijah T. Crane, was one of Wagner's 15th Indiana recruits. Elijah was also a resident of Pine Village. Because of Sam's invitation to help write this book, Bill discovered that in addition to his great grandfather, he had at least 15 other relatives in the Civil War of which nine died for their country. A few lines are written in this book about these heroes in hopes that they will not be forgotten. Bill was a navy signalman for three years during World War II. He and his wife Barbara have been married for 57 years and have two children. Bill is retired from Eli Lilly Co.
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