Pvt. Marcellus Phoenix of Company I was killed in action on January 1, 1863 near Bolivar Heights, evidently the first combat fatality for the 6th Maryland Volunteers. His death must have occurred in a minor action, because I can find no record of it on the date of his death. Pvt. Frederick Swartz of Company A was another early combat casualty of the 6th Maryland Infantry, dying Feb 28, 1863 of wounds received somewhere near Antietam. However, the 6th Maryland Infantry was not engaged in that famous battle.
Thereafter, the 6th Regiment of Maryland Infantry was heavily engaged in many major battles and suffered greatly for its gallantry under fire . . . its officers and men were among the best on the battlefield.
Beginning with the Wilderness, the 6th Maryland was a component of the sturdy Sixth Corps, bedrock of the Army of the Potomac. Below are descriptions of each action with details from official After Action Reports and other sources.
Ashokan Farewell