Serving as a regimental, division, and brigade commander in the Army of the Ohio, Turchin's command was part of the Union force that occupied portions of northern Alabama in April 1862.

In May 1862, with his troops occupying Athens, Alabama, Turchin's men went on a rampage, destroying homes and businesses in the town, ostensibly in retaliation for Confederate attacks in the area.

The "Sack of Athens" led to Turchin's court martial on charges of conduct unbecoming an officer and neglect of duty. Although found guilty on all charges, Turchin had political supporters in Illinois, where he and his wife Nadine had lived as residents of Chicago before the war, who put pressure on the War Department to assist Turchin. Instead of being punished, Turchin was promoted to Brigadier General and eventually left the service in 1864.

After the war, Turchin authored books on military history. He died in 1902.]]>