Ten companies of volunteers met at the request of David Jackson Bailey, who had obtained permission from Governor Joseph E. Brown to form an infantry regiment for Confederate service.

In late October deployed to Coosawhatchie, South Carolina, to reinforce Confederate forces defending the railroad between Savannah and Charleston.

In December 1862 and January 1863 the regiment twice travelled to Wilmington, North Carolina, to defend against an anticipated Union advance; returning to Savannah on February 9.

Under the command of Colonel Thomas W. Mangham, the regiment was ordered on July 4 to march in the rear in a retreat towards Jackson, keep up stragglers, and aid the sick and disabled.

[7] The 30th Georgia was involved in a skirmish in Decatur, Alabama, with Hood's army in November 1864, where a lieutenant was killed and other casualties suffered.

The regiment was on the extreme left flank of Jackson's Brigade during the Battle of Franklin, figuring prominently in the fighting and incurring heavy losses.

[8] During the Battle of Nashville, on the afternoon of December 16, the 30th Georgia Regiment was surrounded when the Confederate left flank was breached by heavy cannon fire.