Thomas John Wood | |
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Born | Munfordville, Kentucky, U.S. | September 25, 1823
Died | February 26, 1906 Dayton, Ohio, U.S. | (aged 82)
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States of America Union |
Service | United States Army Union Army |
Years of service | 1845–1868 |
Rank | Major General |
Commands | 2nd Cavalry Regiment IV Corps |
Battles / wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Children | George Henry Wood |
Thomas John Wood (September 25, 1823 – February 26, 1906) was a career United States Army officer. He served in the Mexican–American War and as a Union general during the American Civil War.
During the Mexican–American War, Wood served on the staff of General Zachary Taylor, and later joined the 2nd Dragoons. During the Civil War, he participated in many battles in the Western Theater. Wood commanded a division at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, during which time he chose to obey a questionable order from commanding general William S. Rosecrans to reposition his division. In doing so, Wood opened a gap in the Union lines, which contributed to the vanquishing of the Federal forces in the battle and their subsequent retreat. Wood and his division took part in the successful Union assault during the Battle of Missionary Ridge in November during the Chattanooga Campaign. He also commanded the IV Corps of the Army of the Cumberland during the Battle of Nashville in December 1864.