John Bufford

	John Bufford was one of the key reasons why the Union won
Gettysburg, and only six months after his courageous fighting he died of
pneumonia. John Bufford was born in Kentucky in 1826 and then moved to
Illinois before he was excepted to West Point. Bufford went to West Point
and graduated in 1848. John Bufford is one of the great leaders of
American history. John Bufford had many years of experience in the
military and helped win one of the biggest battles in the Civil War,
Gettysburg.
	John Bufford has had a solid back round in the military. After he
graduated from West Point he saw a little fighting action when he was
along the frontier and on an expedition against the Mormons in Utah
through 1857-1858. He started off as a captain and then was promoted
through the years as Major General. After Bufford's work in the Washington
defenses he was put on the Pope's staff in the northern Virginia. He
received a brigadier's star and command of a brigade of cavalry men. He
lead his newly cavalry at 2nd Bull Run and he was wounded. " He cared for
the well being of his men, and the outcome of the battle " ( Foote 297). That
next Spring Bufford had command of the Reserve Brigade, which was
made up of regular army units. With his new command he took part in
Stonman's raid during Chancellorsville Campaign. He also lead  the
division at Brandy Station, Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville. John Bufford
would soon face the biggest challenge in his life, and he would need all his
experience and knowledge from his past to overcome the challenge. 
	It was two of Buffords brigades that caused the fighting at
Gettysburg northwest of the town. He was able to hold off the Confederate
attack with few men until the Union came to back them up. This was a very
important move for the Union in the Battle of Gettysburg because it
enabled the Confederate to take the high ground. '" The whole damn Reb
army's going to be here in the morning. They'll move right through the
town and occupy those damned hills '" (Shaara 38). Bufford was smart
enough to see the Confederates plan and by stopping the Confederates, it
let the Union take the high ground. The high ground later in the battle
proved to be a big key. Even Confederate General Longstreet said "
Cemetery Ridge was essential us " (West 145).   By Bufford no letting the
Confederates take the hill he helped not only win the battle but maybe even
the whole war. John Bufford never received any kind of notice for this key
decision and later the next year he died.
	John Bufford had proven himself to be a great commander. With his
intelligence in war fair he won many key battles which made himself a well
recognized leader. John Bufford was one of the dominate leaders in the
Civil War.