(A version of this article was first published by the Erie Times-News in 2013 on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.)
Brig. Gen. Strong Vincent’s military legacy is forever tied to the command of his 3rd Brigade’s valiant defense of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg, which was fought July 1-3, 1863.
The strategic hill anchoring the Union Army’s left flank on Cemetery Ridge is where the Waterford native on the second day of the epic battle implored “Don’t give an inch, boys, don’t give an inch” to his beleaguered 16th Michigan infantry regiment, a portion of whose line was buckling, retreating and being flanked during a Confederate assault up the rocky, craggy slopes…