From its initial formation in August 1861, the regiment became known as one of Indiana's most highly disciplined regiments because of its infantry maneuvers, which were based on Prussian infantry tactics and bugle calls, and the general good health of its men. During 1861 and 1862 the regiment's major engagements included the
Battle of Rowlett's Station, the
Battle of Shiloh, the
Siege of Corinth, and the
Battle of Stones River. In 1863 the 32nd Indiana participated in three major campaigns: the
Tullahoma Campaign, the
Chickamauga Campaign, and the
Chattanooga campaign. In 1864 the regiment joined the
Atlanta campaign and fought in battles at
Resaca,
Adairsville,
New Hope Church,
Dallas,
Pickett's Mill,
Marietta,
Kennesaw Mountain,
Peachtree Creek,
Atlanta,
Jonesborough, and
Lovejoy's Station. The 32nd Indiana completed its service in Texas, and mustered out on December 4, 1865. The 32nd Indiana received national recognition in the newspapers for its stand against Confederate forces. A detachment from the 32nd Indiana (fewer than 500 men) under Lt. Col. Henry von Trebra fought off 1,300 Confederate troops, including men from
Terry's Texas Rangers,
Arkansas infantry, and
Mississippi artillery under Brig. Gen.
Thomas C. Hindman. The outmanned 32nd Indiana infantry successfully repelled the charging Confederate cavalry. The 32nd Indiana's casualties from the battle varied, depending on the source, but the final count was 46 (13 killed, 28 wounded, and 5 captured).The regiment's success in battle with so few casualties has been partially attributed to its thorough training during the early months of the war. During the second day of battle, Col. Willich displayed his leadership abilities when his troops became unsteady under heavy fire. After ordering the 32nd Indiana to assemble in a double column facing the enemy, Willich took up a position on horseback in the front of the formation, with his back to the enemy, and drilled his men until they regained their composure. Once the 32nd Indiana had recovered its stability, it advanced with the 77th Pennsylvania to prevent the Confederates from attacking the Union line. The 32nd Indiana suffered 119 casualties, including 19 dead, at Shiloh. In the months following Shiloh, the 32nd Indiana took part in the advance on Confederate troops at
Corinth, Mississippi; the
Siege of Corinth (April 29–May 30); and
Don Carlos Buell's campaign in northern
Alabama and middle
Tennessee (June to August 1862). In early October 1862 the regiment pursued
Braxton Bragg's Confederate troops into
Kentucky (October 1–15), before marching to
Nashville, Tennessee, where they remained until December 26, 1862. The regiment took part in the advance on
Murfreesboro, Tennessee (December 26–30). During 1863 the regiment took part in the
Tullahoma Campaign (June 22–July 7), including the
Battle of Liberty Gap (June 22–24 and June 24–27), and the
Chickamauga Campaign (August 16–September 22), including the
Battle of Chickamauga (September 19–20). The 32nd Indiana also participated in the
Chattanooga campaign (September 24–November 23), including the fighting at
Orchard Knob (November 23–24) and the
Battle of Missionary Ridge (November 25). The regiment remained in eastern
Tennessee until April 1864.
After consolidation About 285 men whose mustering into service dated after 1862 remained in the 32nd Indiana and consolidated into a battalion garrisoned at
Chattanooga, Tennessee. The reorganized 32nd Indiana took part in the
Battle of Jonesborough (August 31–September 1, 1864) and the
Battle of Lovejoy's Station (September 2–6, 1864). In mid-June 1865, new orders moved the 32nd Indiana to
New Orleans,
Louisiana, and in July 1865 to
Texas, where it served at
Green Lake and
San Antonio, before its remaining soldiers mustered out of service on December 4, 1865. ==Casualties==