OHS - Fight for the Colors - Behind the Lines - Captured Glory: The Story of the 121st O.V.I.
Captured Glory: Flags Lost and Recovered
The Story of the 121st O.V.I.
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The
121st O.V.I. crossing the Ohio River
at Cincinnati, September 19, 1862. From Archives/Library collection P 369. |
The
soldiers of the 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I.) experienced the glory
of capturing an enemy's flag in battle. Organized in the summer of 1862, many
recruits came from counties in the farm country of central Ohio. Companies F
and G were recruited from Knox County. Most of the recruits in Co. B were from
Marion County. Union County recruits filled companies A and I completely and
made up portions of other companies.
The121st O.V.I. quickly left Ohio for active
service in Kentucky. With very little training and outdated muskets, they went
into the Battle of Perryville on October 8, 1862 against experienced Southern
troops. After this trial by fire, the 121st adopted "Wipe out Perryville!" as
their battle cry.
In April 1863, an experienced officer, Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Banning
of the 125th O.V.I., was transferred to the 121st. Under Banning's leadership,
the regiment drilled, improving their skill and reputation as soldiers. On
September 20, 1864 they found themselves in the thick of the fight at the Battle
of Chickamauga. This time they prepared for a struggle.
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