Which Union general led a cavalry charge at East Cavalry Field on July 3?

George Armstrong Custer led a Union cavalry charge at East Cavalry Field on July 3, 1863. Serving as a brigadier general in command of the Michigan Brigade, he helped block J.E.B. Stuart's attempt to reach the Union rear during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Custer's brigade was attached to Brigadier General David McMurtrie's Gregg's Union cavalry division. When Confederate cavalry attacked near the Rummel farm, Gregg ordered Custer to counterattack with the 7th Michigan Cavalry. Custer personally led the regiment, reportedly shouting, “Come on, you Wolverines!” His horse was shot beneath him during the fighting.

The battle became a close-range melee involving carbines, pistols, and sabers. Custer later committed the 1st Michigan Cavalry to the struggle, while other Union cavalry struck the Confederate advance from the flanks. The fighting prevented Stuart from exploiting Pickett's Charge and reaching the Union rear.

J.E.B. Stuart commanded the Confederate cavalry, but he did not lead the Union charge. John Buford had commanded Union cavalry earlier in the battle, while Philip Sheridan was not the Union commander at East Cavalry Field.