Minnesota soldiers' pivotal role at Gettysburg

150 years ago today, a regiment of soldiers from Minnesota played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg.

A gap had opened in the Union line and the First Minnesota was ordered to charge an advancing Confederate unit despite being severely outnumbered. The Minnesota regiment suffered devastating casualties, but held the Confederates at bay long enough for reinforcements to arrive and hold the line.

Historian Richard Moe, author of "The Last Full Measure: the Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers," discussed the battle with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

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