Civil War Union Army Officer. Born in Alabama and raised in Mississippi, he attended the United States Military Academy, graduating in the Class of 1854. Serving first with the 5th United States Infantry, he later transferred to the 1st United States Dragoons (Cavalry). At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, although a southerner, he chose to remain loyal to the Union, and was appointed Colonel and commander of the 8th New York Volunteer Cavalry. Legendary as one of the most aggressive and skilled cavalry commanders of the war, Grimes Davis died while rallying his regiment at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. Alone and out in front of his regiment, he was shot from his horse by Lieutenant Owen Allen of the 6th Virginia Cavalry and killed instantly. Enraged by his death, troopers of the regiment charged and killed Sergeant John Stone of the 6th Virginia Cavalry, mistaking him for the killer of Davis. His head was split with a saber blow. Colonel Davis is buried at West Point near another legendary Dragoon and Civil War Cavalry leader, John Buford. He is also surrounded by such notables as George Custer, Judson Kilpatrick, Thomas C. Devin, and Alonzo Cushing. (Additional information by Ethan Bishop).
Civil War Union Army Officer. Born in Alabama and raised in Mississippi, he attended the United States Military Academy, graduating in the Class of 1854. Serving first with the 5th United States Infantry, he later transferred to the 1st United States Dragoons (Cavalry). At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, although a southerner, he chose to remain loyal to the Union, and was appointed Colonel and commander of the 8th New York Volunteer Cavalry. Legendary as one of the most aggressive and skilled cavalry commanders of the war, Grimes Davis died while rallying his regiment at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. Alone and out in front of his regiment, he was shot from his horse by Lieutenant Owen Allen of the 6th Virginia Cavalry and killed instantly. Enraged by his death, troopers of the regiment charged and killed Sergeant John Stone of the 6th Virginia Cavalry, mistaking him for the killer of Davis. His head was split with a saber blow. Colonel Davis is buried at West Point near another legendary Dragoon and Civil War Cavalry leader, John Buford. He is also surrounded by such notables as George Custer, Judson Kilpatrick, Thomas C. Devin, and Alonzo Cushing. (Additional information by Ethan Bishop).
Bio by: J David Petruzzi
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