The 24^th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in July of 1862 in response to President Lincoln's call for troops to bolster the Union war effort. The regiment left Detroit in August with 10 companies totaling 1,026 under the command of Colonel Henry Morrow.

The 24^th was assigned to the famous Iron Brigade, which comprised the 2^nd, 6^th, and 7^th Wisconsin as well as the 19 Indiana. The 24^th was coolly received by the veteran members of the Iron Brigade, but proved itself a worthy addition during the Battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862. As the first casualties fell in battle, the regiment showed signs of withering moral. Noting this, Colonel Morrow halted his men under fire and put the troops through the "manual of arms" to restore order and discipline. The regiment received many compliments, and even received a compliment from Confederate General Hill who, under a flag of truce, stated that he had never seen troops stand better under artillery fire.

Of all of the compliments received there was none greater than the final acceptance by the other regiments of the Iron Brigade. The soldiers of the 24^th had "seen the elephant" and had stood their ground bravely. The original veterans of the brigade knew this, for they had been watching how the 24^th would react. They knew now, that they could trust the 24^th if ever needed. In the past they had been ostracized, but now they were welcomed.

On July 1, 1863, the 24^th Michigan marched into the annals of history at the Battle of Gettysburg. Their valiant and stubborn resistance helped delay the Confederate assault long enough to allow the remaining Federal forces to position themselves and eventually save the field for the Union. Credited with many individual acts of valor, the 24^th took the highest number of casualties in a single day's struggle, losing 399 out of 496 men. This was the greatest numerical loss of troops of all Federal regiments engaged at Gettysburg. Colonel Morrow said of the 24^th, "Braver men never went to war."

The 24^th Michigan's service record shows the regiment engaged in 22 major battles, numerous minor skirmishes, and provided invaluable assistance in detailing men to help man the cannon of Battery B, 4^th US Light Artillery.

The final honor for the regiment came when it was requested to serve as part of the Honor Guard for the funeral of President Lincoln in 1865 at Springfield, Illinois.

At 5 o'clock P.M on Wednesday, June 28^th the regiment had its last dress parade and was read the following order: