1st Regiment Michigan Volunteer Sharpshooters - Commanders

Commanders

• Colonel Charles Victor DeLand held nominal command of the regiment from its initial muster until his discharge for disability, on 4 February 1865. Because of wounds, incarceration as a POW, hospitalization, and brief stints as brigade commander, he spent only a portion of this time in active command. DeLand was promoted to Brevet Brigadier General for "faithful, gallant, and meritorious service" on 14 March 1865.
• Captain (United States) Levant Rhines actively commanded the regiment from 14 May 1864 until killed in action, 17 June 1864. He was posthumously promoted to major.
• Captain Elmer Dicey actively commanded the regiment from Rhine’s death until 15 July 1864. He also commanded the regiment during the battle of the Crater, 30 July 1864, during which he was captured.
• Captain George Murdock actively commanded the regiment from 30 September 1864, when Colonel DeLand was wounded and captured, until November 1864. He resigned on 12 December 1864. Murdock was promoted to Brevet Major on 4 December 1864.
• Major Asahel Nichols actively commanded the regiment from 12 November 1864 until February 1865, when he assumed full command. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in March, and remained in command until 2 April 1865, when he was seriously wounded. He was promoted to Brevet Colonel for his “conspicuous gallantry” that day.
• Several officers briefly commanded the regiment during the ensuing battle on 2 April 1865, among them, Captain James DeLand, and Captain Levant Case, who assumed command after DeLand was wounded. Both men were promoted to Brevet Major for their actions that day.
• Captain (later Brevet Major) Ira Evans commanded the regiment from 3 April until 27 April 1865.
• Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Buckbee commanded the regiment from 27 April until the Sharpshooters mustered out, 28 July 1865.