#OTD in 1863, the Second Battle of #FortWagner will be fought in South Carolina. Union forces are commanded by General Quincy A. Gillmore & Confederate forces are commanded by General PGT Beauregard with Wagner being commanded by General William B. Taliaferro.
#GiveEmHell54th

The 1st attempt to take #FortWagner had been on July 11, 1863. Obvio it was a fail. The topography to approach Wagner is such that only 1 regiment at a time can be sent in.

The regiment that will lead the assult today? The 54th Massachusetts led by Colonel Shaw. #GiveEmHell54th

Shaw & his 54th Massachusetts will begin the assault at dusk #OTD in 1863.

They will be just one of a few regiments attacking the fort that night: 6th CT, 48th NY, 76th PA, 9th Me, 7th NH, 62 & 67th OH, & 100th NY.

#GiveEmHell54th #CivilWar #RememberThem

Leading the other troops assaulting #FortWagner tonight is General George Crockett Strong.

He will be mortally wounded in the assault & die of his wounds on July 30th, 1863.

When Shaw & the 54th are 150 yards from #FortWagner, the Confederates open fire upon them. With direct fire in front of them, the 54th keeping charging towards the parapet with Shaw leading the way saying "Onward, boys! Onward, boys!"...

#GiveEmHell54th

As Shaw leads the 54th towards towards the parapets on #FortWagner, he is killed.

The 54th will have 42% casualties in the assault on Fort Wagner - 29 men including Shaw will be killed. 24 will die of their wounds. 15 captured, 52 MIA. 149 wounded.

#GiveEmHell54th #CivilWar