born Jan. 25, 1825, Richmond, Va., U.S.
died July 30, 1875, Norfolk, Va.
U.S. and Confederate army officer.
He graduated from West Point and served in the Mexican War . In 1861 he resigned his commission to enter the Confederate army. He rose to major general and commanded a division at the Battle of Fredericksburg. At the Battle of Gettysburg , he led the climactic attack known as Pickett's Charge, in which 4,300 men of his division constituted almost half the attacking force under James Longstreet . The attempt to breach the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge was repulsed with the loss of about 60% of his men. Though criticized for his leadership, he retained his command.