Battles /

Ba001932

Rocky Face Ridge

May 7-13, 1864

Event ID # BA003196

Other Names: Combats at Buzzard Roost, Mill Creek, Dug Gap

Location: Whitfield County, GA

Campaign: Atlanta Campaign (1864)

Principal Commanders:Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman [US]; Gen. Joseph E. Johnston [CS]

Forces Engaged: Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: Unknown

Gen. Joseph E. Johnston had entrenched his army on the long, high mountain of Rocky Face Ridge and eastward across Crow Valley. As Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman approached, he decided to demonstrate against the position with two columns while he sent a third one through Snake Creek Gap, to the right, to hit the Western & Atlantic Railroad at Resaca. The two columns engaged the enemy at Buzzard Roost (Mill Creek Gap) and at Dug Gap. In the meantime, the third column, under Maj. Gen. James Birdseye McPherson, passed through Snake Creek Gap and on the 9th advanced to the outskirts of Resaca where it found Confederates entrenched. Fearing defeat, McPherson pulled his column back to Snake Creek Gap. On the 10th, Sherman decided to take most of his men and join McPherson to take Resaca. The next morning, Sherman’ s army withdrew from in front of Rocky Face Ridge. Discovering Sherman’s movement, Johnston retired south towards Resaca on the 12th.

George Bishop, color bearer for the 154th New York was killed carrying the colors here at Rocky Face Ridge. Sergeants Stephen Welch and Charles W. McKay were awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing a wounded comrade while under fire. They were the only two members of the regiment to be awarded the Medal.

On May 8, 1864, the 154th new York Infantry engaged a rebel force in a strong position at a place called Rocky Face Ridge (Dug Gap), near Dalton, Georgia. Following an assault on the rocky precipice, the regiment fell back, leaving behind Corporal George Greek, a member of the color guard, who had been wounded in both legs. Tent-mates Sergeants Stephen Welch and Charles McKay volunteered to rescue the man, and returned up the precipice under a withering fire. Sergeant Welch recalled, "The poor fellow had been trying to drag himself along with his hands, and had sunk down, overcome by faintness and exhaustion. McKay revived him with a drink from his canteen, after which the corporal raising himself on his elbow, asked if the colors were safe. We assured him that they were, and he dropped down again, satisfied and happy. We rolled him on a blanket, picked him up, and with bullets whizzing about us, managed to get him off the field."

Sources:

www.hardtackregiment.com/Reunions.html
projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=2893 www.homeofheroes.com/photos/1_civilwar/mckay_charles.html