March 18, 2012

The Action at Wallace’s Ferry was fought on July 26, 1864, as Union forces left Helena (Phillips County) on a reconnaissance mission to find Confederate cavalry raiders operating in Phillips County. The action resulted in a strategic draw. William O. Kretsinger, an officer in the Fifty-sixth U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, formerly the Third Arkansas Infantry (African Descent), was cited for gallantry for his actions in the fight.