An Irishman born on St. Patty's Day (and hence his first name of Patrick), Patrick Cleburne was highly respected for his ability to fight an enemy of superior numbers. He repeatedly faced General Sherman on the field of battle, and drew the red-haired Ohioan's respect rather than his ire.

For two days at Shiloh, as a brigade commander under William Hardee, Cleburne won the respect of his men and the accolades of his fellow officers. Patrick Cleburne begin with the first attack at sunrise, lost a horse and more than half his men, but continued fighting through both days of the engagement.

At Richmond, Kentucky, Cleburne engaged the Union Army on August 29, but pulled back to regroup and await reinforcements. Before the battle was won by the Confederates, Cleburne suffered a wound to his jaw and was removed from the field of battle.

Returning to the line at the battle of Perryville, KY (west of Richmond and southeast of Harrodsburg), Cleburne had his horse shot out from under him and he was wounded in the foot during an attack on the Union line.



Patrick Cleburne