Finally put two and two together!
Joe was hospitalized on August 6, 1864.
On that same date, the 25th Michigan Infantry was attached to Schofield’s Army of the Ohio. A much smaller Confederate force under Hood’s command was securely ensconced in the wooded hills around Utoy Creek, and they were the only thing standing between Sherman’s forces and the rail line into Atlanta.
Advances of the previous two days had been unsuccessful, and now a reshuffling of forces had given the Confederates time to dig in, with trenches and abatis, sharp pikes or branches extending toward the advancing enemy as they approach the trenches.
On the morning of the 6th, another attack was mounted. The Federals were beaten back with heavy losses. Joe would most certainly have been among them. A minie ball passed through his left arm, and into his side. The bullet would remain with him for the rest of his life.