Sanders Dewees Bruce (1825–1902) was a Union Army colonel during the American Civil War and an expert on horse breeding.

In response to John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, state militias were bolstered to deal with similar uprisings.

Bruce was commissioned captain of the Lexington Chasseurs in the Kentucky State Militia under the direction of Simon B. Buckner as Inspector General.

[5] Bruce chose to fight for the Union during the Civil War despite his ties to such future Confederates as Morgan and Buckner.

Bruce led his brigade in the march to reinforce Ulysses S. Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing during the Battle of Shiloh.