The following is a chronological listing of the most significant military activities of the Fifth Iowa during the war. While most of the life of any regiment was spent in camp or garrison, these often boring periods of routine were punctuated by battles and skirmishes in which one's life was on the line. Of course, even in camp, accidents and illness could steal a soldier's life. Nevertheless, the Fifth Iowa Infantry participated in more than its share of battles, and distinguished itself every time it took to the field.

1861
15 Jul	Muster	Burlington, IA
2 Sep	Expedition	Columbia, MO
1862
28 Feb - 8 Apr	Operations	New Madrid & Island 10, MO
3 Mar - 4 Mar	Engagement	New Madrid, MO
6 Mar	Action	New Madrid, MO
15 Mar - 8 Apr	Siege	Island 10, TN
8 Apr	Capture	Island 10, TN
29 Apr - 30 May	Advance & Siege	Corinth, MS
30 May - 12 Jun	Pursuit	Booneville, MS
19 Sep	Engagement	Iuka, MS
3 Oct - 4 Oct	Battle	Corinth, MS
5 Oct - 12 Oct	Pursuit	Hatchie River, MS
31 Oct - 1 Jan	MS Central RR	MS to Bolivar, TN
8 Nov - 9 Nov	Reconnaissance	LaGrange, TN
1863
24 Feb - 8 Apr	Expedition	Helena, AR
13 Mar - 5 Apr	Operations	Fort Pemberton, MS
13 Mar - 5 Apr	Operations	Greenwood, MS
25 Apr - 30 Apr	Movement	Bruinsburg, MS
25 Apr - 30 Apr	Turning	Grand Gulf, MS
2 May	Skirmish	Bayou Pierrie, MS
2 May	Skirmish	South Fork, MS
12 May - 13 May	Engagement	Raymond, MS
14 May	Engagement	Jackson, MS
16 May	Battle	Baker's Creek, MS
16 May	Battle	Champion's Hill, MS
16 May	Battle	Depot or Midway Hill, MS
16 May	Battle	Edwards, MS
18 May - 4 Jul	Siege	Vicksburg, MS
Assaults	Vicksburg, MS
22 May	Assaults	Vicksburg, MS
20 Oct	Operations	Charleston RR, AL
20 Oct	Operations	Memphis RR, AL
23 Nov - 27 Nov	Campaign	Chattanooga, TN
23 Nov - 27 Nov	Campaign	Ringgold, TN
24 Nov - 25 Nov	Action	Missionary Ridge
24 Nov - 25 Nov	Action	Tunnel Hill, TN
1864
1 May - 8 Sep	Campaign	Atlanta, GA