Rufus R. Dawes (July 4, 1838 – August 1, 1899) was a military officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was noted for his service in the famed Iron Brigade, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a post-war businessman, Congressman, and author, and the father of two daughters and four nationally known sons.
"Service With the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers" records in brilliant detail all of the actions that he and his regiment were involved in, but not simply an account of military activities.

"... With the hope that I may contribute something of value for the history of one of the most faithful and gallant regiments in the army of the Union, the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, and with the especial object of preserving tor our children a record of personal experiences in the war, this book has been published.
A box of old letters and papers, collected during the war and carefully arranged and preserved by my wife, has been a chief Source from which I have drawn the subject matter..."
Rufus R. Dawes