Civil War Union Army Officer. After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1846 (26th out of 59), he served in the Mexican War as a Lieutenant in the 2nd United States Artillery. After the outbreak of the Civil War he was appointed as Colonel and commander of the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. The unit was the only Union cavalry regiment to be issued European-styled lances, and were thus nicknamed "Rush's Lancers". The weapon was impractical, and the regiment never used them in combat. Colonel Rush led his volunteer unit, which served in a brigade comprised of Regular Army cavalry regiments, in the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg campaigns, being most distinguished at the Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia (June 9, 1863). General John Buford often referred to Colonel Rush's regiment as "my other Regulars".

Civil War Union Army Officer. After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1846 (26th out of 59), he served in the Mexican War as a Lieutenant in the 2nd United States Artillery. After the outbreak of the Civil War he was appointed as Colonel and commander of the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. The unit was the only Union cavalry regiment to be issued European-styled lances, and were thus nicknamed "Rush's Lancers". The weapon was impractical, and the regiment never used them in combat. Colonel Rush led his volunteer unit, which served in a brigade comprised of Regular Army cavalry regiments, in the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg campaigns, being most distinguished at the Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia (June 9, 1863). General John Buford often referred to Colonel Rush's regiment as "my other Regulars".

Bio by: RPD2