Sickles Loses a Leg

What actually happened?: Sickles disobeyed Meade's orders and took it upon himself to advance forward. For the rest of his life he claimed that his decision made all the difference in the Union victory at Gettysburg. Later, a Confederate General agreed. Sickles' bravery was attested to by the fact that during his advance, he was severely wounded in the leg, which was later amputated and is now on display at a museum in Maryland.

Many military historians believe that Sickles decision nearly cost the Union the battle as the high ground he left behind became vulnerable to capture.

Did you make a different decision than Sickles? If so, do you think your decision was better or worse?

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