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Birth in Philadelphia
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Period: to
Livespan of John Gibbon
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Graduation from US Military Academy
After graduating, he was comissioned to be a brevet second lieutenant in the 3rd US artillery -
Wrote "The Artillerist's Manual"
A highly scientific treatise on artillery and was used by both sides in the Civil War -
Civil War breaks out
When the war broke out, John was torn between his obligations to his family and his ties to his family. His father was a slaveholder, and two of his brothers joined the Confederates. John remained in the service of the Union. -
Period: to
American Civil War
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Made general of the Iron Brigade
Upon gaining himself a brigade to be used in combat, John drilled his brigade and improved their uniforms. Following their strong performance before the Battle of Bull Run and their stunning uphill charge at the Battle of South mountain, he named his brigade the Iron Brigade. -
Battle of Antietam
John led his Iron Brigade into the fray, though was eventually forced to abstain from commanding in order to man a crucial artillery peice. -
Promoted to command the 2nd Division, I corps
John was wounded during the Battle of Frederiksburg, and it unfortunately got infected. He was out of command for a short bout while he recovered. -
Serves at the Battle of Gettysburg
While for the first two days of the battle he was in reserve and saw little action, on the third day of fighting John was essential in the defence of Pickett's charge, in which he was again wounded. -
Surrender of the Confederacy
John was one of three comissioners for the confederate surrender. -
Participation in the Great Sioux War
John was instrumental in saving the lives of the men under Marcus Reno, who were under seige following Custer's Last Stand. -
Retirement
John retired from the army due to age restrictions. -
Death
