Gen. David McMurtrie Gregg (1833–1917) was one of the ablest and
most successful commanders of cavalry in any Civil War army.
Pennsylvania-born, West Point–educated, and deeply experienced in
cavalry operations prior to the conflict, his career personified
that of the typical cavalry officer in the mid-nineteenth-century
American army. Gregg achieved distinction on many battlefields,
including those during the Peninsula, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
Bristoe, Overland, and Petersburg campaigns, ultimately gaining the
rank of brevet major general as leader of the Second Division,
Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. The highlight of his service
occurred on July 3, 1863, the climactic third day at Gettysburg,
when he led his own command as well as the brigade of Brig. Gen.
George Armstrong Custer in repulsing an attempt by thousands of
Confederate cavalry under the legendary J. E. B. Stuart
in attacking the right flank and rear of the Union Army while
Pickett's charge struck its front and center. Historians credit
Gregg with helping preserve the security of his army at a critical
point, making Union victory inevitable. Unlike glory-hunters such
as Custer and Stuart, Gregg was a quietly competent veteran who
never promoted himself or sought personal recognition for his
service. Rarely has a military commander of such distinction been
denied a biographer's tribute. Gregg's time is long overdue.