Medal of Honor Heritage Trail

William J. Carson served in the 15th United States Infantry Regiment rather than in a state volunteer regiment, and as a musician he rallied his unit in every action from Shiloh to Chickamauga. During heavy fighting at Chickamauga, when 14th Corps lines were wavering and in disorder, Bugler William J. Carson of Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th U.S. Infantry, on his own initiative and carrying a bugle in one hand and a sword in the other, sounded repeated calls including "halt," "rally," and "forward" in a successful effort to rally the remaining Federal troops, causing Confederates to think reinforcements had arrived and to halt their attack. After the park was established, Carson returned and played his bugle as the monuments were dedicated. Sergeant Alexander H. Reed of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry was under arrest in the rear for an infraction of duty when battle began, but at the sound of fighting he escaped confinement, armed himself, found his command in a very hot fight, and fought so well over the next two days that he was released from arrest in recognition of his bravery. At Missionary Ridge he commanded his company and gallantly led it, being among the first to enter the enemy's works; though severely wounded in his right arm, he continued fighting until he passed out from loss of blood, was taken to the main hospital complex, and returned three months later having lost his right arm but declining a discharge and remaining in active service to the end of the war. Captain Clinton A. Cilley, a native of New Hampshire who also served with the 2nd Minnesota Infantry, was serving at Chickamauga as a brigade staff officer on the staff of Colonel Van Derveer. As part of Thomas' corps, his unit remained an effective force at the end of the second day of fighting, and Cilley directed the orderly withdrawal to Rossville at 7 p.m. under orders from Major-General Thomas. Colonel Van Derveer praised the conduct of his officers and men, wrote that Captains Beatty and Cilley each had two horses shot under them, and singled out Cilley for the excellent order of the withdrawal. Each of these three courageous men received the Medal of Honor.

Chickamauga, Georgia · United States