In their first battle at Gainesville, the 19th supported the left flank of the embattled 2nd Wisconsin, fighting Confederates near the buildings of John Brawner's Farm.

During the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, the 19th pushed a part of James J. Archer's Confederate brigade off McPherson's Ridge, and capturing a number of them in the progress.

The 19th would bare the brunt of a Confederate counterattack in the late afternoon, but held their ground stubbornly.

The flag would fall multiple times, and the entire color guard succumbing to bullets.

The Hoosiers would gradually give ground and then fall back with the Brigade, when the I Corps retreated to Cemetery Hill.