Sokalski's Section
Tour Stop
Location: There is Model 1841 12-pounder Howitzer marking the location of Sokalski's Section [ Waypoint = N37 06.352 W93 24.926 ] at WCNB Tour Stop 7 [ Waypoint = N37 06.370 W93 24.926 ]. The howitzer is located just south of the interpretive signs near the parking area for tour stop 7.
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Description: Recently graduated from West Point, 22-year old Lieutenant George O. Sokalski was in command of a two gun section of Totten's Battery. His section of two artillery pieces began the day in the center of the initial Federal attack. When the Federals reached the top of Bloody Hill, Sokalski's Section was deployed on the far right (west) flank of the Union lines.
Sometime between 9:00 and 10:00 A.M., Confederate General McCulloch ordered Colonel Elkanah Greer to make a flanking attack with his South Kansas-Texas Cavalry. On his way around to the Federal right, he was joined by the First Arkansas Cavalry under the command of Colonel DeRosey Carroll. They deployed into line of battle and charged up the hill against the Federal defensive positions. Greer's attack was not well coordinated and Lyon responded with a shift in artillery fire. Captain James Totten would write about this in his official report:
"General Lyon sent me an order to support the Kansas regiments on the extreme right, who were then being closely pressed by the enemy. I ordered Lieutenant Sokalski to move forward with his section immediately, which he did ... relieving and saving the ... regiments from being overthrown and driven back. After this the enemy tried to overwhelm us by an attack of some 800 cavalry, which, unobserved, had formed below the crests of the hills to our right and rear. Fortunately, some of our infantry companies and a few pieces of artillery from my battery were in position to meet this demonstration, and drove off their cavalry with ease."
Captain James Totten would write about Sokalski's performance in his official report:
"It gives me the liveliest satisfaction to bear witness to his coolness and bravery throughout the entire day. No officer ever behaved better under as trying circumstances as he found himself surrounded by at times during the day."
Back: Bloody Hill
Next: Totten's Battery