[1] The 5th Ohio Cavalry was sent to the front lines in February 1862, taking boats up the Tennessee River to the vicinity of Pittsburg Landing.
On December 21, 1862, near what is today known as Michigan City, Mississippi, the 1st and 3rd Battalions fought against Confederates under Sterling Price and Earl Van Dorn at the Battle of Davis Mill, firing 200 rounds without changing position.
[2] In 1863 the 5th Ohio Cavalry guarded the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and raided into Mississippi in support of Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg Campaign.
The regiment then was attached to Maj. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick's command and subsequently took part in Sherman's March to the Sea.
At the Battle of Buck Head Creek on November 28, Kilpatrick was surprised and nearly captured, but the 5th Ohio Cavalry halted Wheeler's advance.