M.A. Kleen

In the early afternoon of July 3, 1863, as the grand Confederate cannonade opened up along Seminary Ridge, the 6th U.S. Cavalry commanded by Maj. Samuel H. Starr rode into the town of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, eight miles west of Gettysburg. A Confederate wagon train was rambling through town, and Starr thought it would be easy pickings. About two miles east of Fairfield, the 6th U.S. Cavalry collided with Confederate Brig. Gen. William E. “Grumble” Jones’ cavalry brigade and a battery of artillery. The fight was so fierce that one federal cavalryman was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving their regimental flag. Six U.S. troopers were killed, 28 wounded, and over 200 captured to the Confederate’s eight killed, 21 wounded, and five missing. Maj. Starr and other wounded were brought to Fairfield’s homes to be cared for.