Battle of Fair Oaks (Seven Pines)

Colonel Miller was killed, shot in the heart.

White Oak Swamp Bridge and Glendale

Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was wounded in the thighs and groin.

Malvern Hill

Major Henry B. McKeen was wounded.

Battle of Antietam

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. McKeen. It lost 8 men killed and 44 wounded near the Cornfield.

From the brigade monument at Antietam:

Caldwell’s Brigade relieved Meagher’s and became heavily engaged with the Confederate Infantry occupying the Sunken Road and Piper’s cornfield south of it. After an obstinate contest, the Brigade succeeded in dislodging the Confederates from the Sunken Road and, having repelled several attempts to turn its flanks, advanced to the high ground overlooking Piper’s house, where it was halted by command of General Richardson.

From Lieutenant Colonel McKeen’s Official Report of the 81st Pennsylvania at the Battle of Antietam:

I have the honor to report that on the 17th we marched into position on the battle field near Miley’s Springs about 10 a. m. We were ordered to advance, which was done. Having taken up our position in the corn-field near the orchard, we were again ordered to move, which the regiment executed most creditably under a heavy fire of grape. We formed at right angles to our old position.

In my new position I found the Second Delaware Regiment immediately in my front. For some cause the regiment broke out. We would not allow them to pass our line. They then returned to their old position and fought nobly. At this time I noticed the enemy’s flags approaching from the orchard, and engaging the Fifth New Hampshire. The Fifth having taken up their position on the edge of the corn-field, and in the old road, I immediately changed the position of my regiment, taking position on their right, opening fire on the enemy with terrible execution. The Fifth New Hampshire and Eighty-first Pennsylvania thus completely frustrated an attempt to flank the division. We were then marched to the left of the corn-field, and remained under a heavy artillery fire the balance of the day. Our casualties are 8 killed and 44 wounded. The officers and privates of the regiment that were in the engagement behaved with great coolness and bravery.

Battle of Fredericksburg

Colonel McKeen was wounded in the side and foot.

Battle of Chancellorsville

Colonel McKeen was wounded by an artillery shell.

Battle of Brandy Station

Reconnaissance to the Rappahannock as part of a composite infantry brigade temporarily attached to the Cavalry Corps.

Battle of Gettysburg

The regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Amos Stroh.

From the monument:

Fought on this line in the afternoon of July 2nd. Present at Gettysburg 175 officers and men. Killed and died of wounds 9 men. Wounded 5 officers and 40 men. Captured or missing 8 men Total Loss 62

Battle of the Wilderness

Battle of Spottsylvania Court House

Assault on the Salient

Colonel McKeen took over the brigade as senior colonel.

Battle of Cold Harbor

Colonel McKeen was mortally wounded