An Officer in the Iron Brigade (Abridged, Annotated)

Immerse yourself in the unrivaled, firsthand account of the Iron Brigade through the eyes of its legendary commander, Rufus R. Dawes. Serving as a regimental leader from the tumultuous opening battles to the crucible of Gettysburg and the relentless Overland Campaign, Dawes offers readers an intimate journey through America’s bloodiest conflict. His memoirs chronicle the grit, strategy, and sacrifice of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry—one of the Civil War’s most storied units and the regiment that bore the brunt of combat in battles like Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

At Gettysburg, Dawes’s decisive leadership in the railroad cut counterattack sealed his reputation for bravery and tactical brilliance. After Gettysburg, where he led the charge on the railroad cut on July 1, he wrote:

My horse was shot under me early in the fight, which perhaps saved my life. The experience of the past few days seem more like a horrible dream than the reality. May God save me and my men from any more such trials.

Readers will experience every pivotal moment, from the hard-fought advances under fire, to the loss and camaraderie that defined the boys of the Badger State. Dawes’s insight, drawn from his detailed diaries and letters, delivers astonishing clarity on the reality of war—and the emotional cost endured by those who survived.

Recognized as one of the Civil War’s most trusted chroniclers, Dawes’s story is essential reading for anyone seeking true courage, tactical acumen, and the human saga behind one of the Union’s most iconic fighting forces. This acclaimed autobiography stands out for its authenticity, vivid battlefield narrative, and the unfiltered voice of a commander who fought every major engagement with his men and never once faltered.