41st Ohio Volunteer Infantry
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| 41st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry | |
|---|---|
 Ohio flag |
|
| Active | 1861–1864 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Infantry |
| Type | Regiment |
| Size | 950 soldiers at outset of the war |
| Battles/wars | Western Theater of the American Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
William B. Hazen |
The 41st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry (or 41st OVI) was an infantry regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
The 41st served in the Western Theatre for the entire war, under such well known generals as Grant and Sherman. It fought in many battles over the course of four hard years, suffering more than 300 casualties. It earned a reputation among the hardscrabble Western units for its spit and polish, and was often held as an example of good soldiering. The Medal of Honor was newly established at the start of the Civil War, and over 1,500 Federal troops were awarded it during the conflict. Two of them were in the 41st.
[edit] Organization and early service
Much of the success of the 41st OVI was due to the abilities of their initial commander, William Babcock Hazen. Hazen was a professional soldier before the war, and a graduate of West Point. Though initially the volunteers felt he was too harsh and dictatorial, once battle was joined their opinions rose along with their success. Hazen had grown up in northeastern Ohio near Hiram, and returned to this area in fall of 1861 to raise a volunteer regiment. The regiment organized at Camp Wood in Cleveland with much of August through October spent organizing and drilling. On October 29, 1861, the regiment mustered into service for a term of three years.
In November 1861, the regiment moved to Louisville, Kentucky, then on to Camp Wickliffe to join their brigade. Once arrived, they organized as part of the 15th Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Ohio, under Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell. Shortly after arriving, some of the men carried out a scouting expedition into western Virginia.
In January 1862, the regiment was finally armed by the State of Ohio. Prior to this, the men were using whatever weapons they may have brought from home or acquired on their own. The official issue weapons were a great disappointment to the men, however, as they were provided with "Greenwood Rifles"; cast off older muskets and rifles that had been reconditioned and rebored by Miles Greenwood & Co. of Cincinnati Ohio. While the weapons were functional and would serve the men in battle, they felt they were unreliable and innaccurate. Because of this, the men sought to replace these weapons whenever an opportunity arose.
