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During the great bombardment of July 3, 1863, the "missiles of both armies passed over" the regiment for nearly two hours.  One soldier wrote, "Nothing more terrific... can be imagined.... The roar of guns...the shriek of exploding shell...the groans of dying men...created a scene of absolute horror."  Shortly after the bombardment ended, Longstreet’s Assault, better known as Pickett's Charge, began as 12,000 to 13,000 Confederate soldiers stepped off from Seminary Ridge and "moved grandly ... forward." One Ohioan wrote, "Our little...regiment lay...in its track... Every man... was there, musket in hand...there was now no way of retreat - we must take our chances where we stood..."

Despite their "forlorn position," the 8th Ohio stood and delivered a "well-directed" volley at 100 yards.  The Confederates in front broke, allowing the regiment to wheel to the left and fire into the flank of the Confederate line.  The 8th Ohio struck the exposed flank of Col. John M. Brockenbrough’s Virginia Brigade as it went by, sending them to the rear in disorder.  The 8th Ohio then continued to disrupt the northern flank of Brig. Gen. J. Johnston Pettigrew’s and Maj. Gen. Issac R. Trimble’ men until the charge collapsed.