Johnston took personal responsibility when a brigade would not advance against the Union left. He led the charge through the Widow Bell cotton field toward the Peach Orchard and was struck behind the right knee. Johnston had sent his surgeon to care for wounded Confederate soldiers and Union prisoners, leaving no medical staff immediately at hand. No one applied a prompt tourniquet, and the torn popliteal artery caused him to bleed to death, illustrating the risks of close command leadership and the limits of battlefield medical support.
Notable Point · 59:46-1:02:32
Johnston's death while leading the attack
Johnston personally led a stalled attack, suffered a fatal leg wound, and died before medical help could reach him.