Gettysburg — July 2, 1863 — It is the second day of what we now know as the Battle of Gettysburg. The 20th Maine has been tasked to defend the far left end of the Union lines at Little Round Top. Battle tactics of the era emphasized the importance of “turning the opponent’s flank” making Little Round Top a key defensive position for the Union forces. In many minds, had the Union forces failed to hold this position, the Confederate forces might well have won the Battle of Gettysburg. As the day progressed, Confederate forces from Alabama and Texas repeatedly charged the Union positions and were turned back by troops from Michigan, New York, and Maine.
While certainly not the only troops to defend Little Round Top, the troops of the 20th Maine under the command of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain proved instrumental in this battle. Recognizing that his men were nearly out of ammunition and that another Confederate charge was forming, Colonel Chamberlain ordered his men to fix bayonets and charge down the hill in a wheel-like maneuver that surrounded the Confederate forces. Overwhelmed by the ferocity of the 20th Maine’s charge, the exhausted Confederates surrendered. The Union position held and was a critical factor in the ultimate defeat of the Confederate forces at Gettysburg.
Colonel Chamberlain led the charge with the Color Bearer at his side. Bearing the colors (the Regimental Flag) was a great honor and an incredibly dangerous job in that the flag served as a focus point for opposing forces. Many Color Bearers were killed in the course of battle. Standing next to the flag was, perhaps, the second most dangerous place to be. Moreover, Colonel Chamberlain demonstrated an important component of Great Leaders … the ability to face difficult situations and think creatively outside the parameters of conventional wisdom. Great Leaders do not lead from behind. They are out in front, thinking creatively, inspiring others.
As Memorial Day approaches and we remember those who gave their lives in battle, let us also remember those who led from the front … the mark of truly Great Leaders. Click “Comment” and tell us who you believe are the greatest leaders of their time.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com