| 5th Missouri Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Missouri_Regiments_Army_Banner.svg) The Missouri Battle Flag | |
| Active | September 1, 1862 to October 6, 1863 |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch |  Confederate States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 618 (September 1, 1862) 276 (July 4, 1863) |
| Engagements | American Civil War |
The 5th Missouri Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The regiment entered into service on September 1, 1862, when the elements of two preceding battalions were combined. Many of the men entering the regiment had seen service with the secessionist Missouri State Guard. James McCown was the regiment's first colonel. After playing a minor role at the Battle of Iuka on September 19, the regiment then fought in the Second Battle of Corinth on October 3 and 4th. After being only lightly engaged on the 3rd, the regiment charged the Union lines on the 4th, capturing a fortification known as Battery Powell. However, Union reinforcements counterattacked and drove the regiment from the field. In early 1863, the regiment was transferred to Grand Gulf, Mississippi, where it built fortifications. The unit spent part of April operating in Louisiana, before again crossing the Mississippi River to return to Grand Gulf.
On May 1, the regiment fought at the Battle of Port Gibson, where it and the 3rd Missouri Infantry Regiment charged the Union line in an attempt to turn the enemy's exposed flank. However, the two regiments missed hitting the Union line on the flank, and instead hit an area with greater support. After heavy fighting, the two regiments were forced to retreat. On May 16, the regiment joined a large assault in the Battle of Champion Hill. The Confederate charge at Champion Hill captured two important battlefield features, but Union reinforcements and a lack of ammunition forced the men to retreat. After being routed at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge on May 17, the regiment entered the defenses of Vicksburg, Mississippi. During the Siege of Vicksburg the regiment helped repel Union attacks on May 19 and 22nd. On June 25 and July 1st, the regiment opposed Union attempts to break the Confederate lines by detonating black powder beneath the Confederate defensive works. The Confederate garrison of Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, and the men of the 5th Missouri Infantry were paroled. After being exchanged, the 5th Missouri Infantry was combined with the 3rd Missouri Infantry to form the 3rd and 5th Missouri Infantry Regiment (Consolidated); the 5th Missouri Infantry ceased to exist as a separate unit.
McCown retained command of the new unit after the consolidation. The consolidated regiment fought at the Battle of New Hope Church in May 1864, at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in June, and in the Siege of Atlanta. On October 5, the regiment fought at the Battle of Allatoona before being nearly annihilated at the Battle of Franklin on November 30. In February 1865, the regiment was transferred to Mobile, Alabama, where it surrendered during the Battle of Fort Blakely on April 9, ending the men's combat career.