Private William McKinley's Medal of Honor Action at Resaca

Apr 18 , 2026

Private William McKinley's Medal of Honor Action at Resaca

Blood on the frozen ground, gunpowder smoke clawing the heavy air. Men screaming, falling, rising only to fall again. Amid the chaos, Private William McKinley stood—steady, unflinching, a man who bore the weight of sacrifice like armor.

Born of Firm Soil and Faith

William McKinley wasn’t just a soldier; he was a product of Ohio’s rugged heartland. Born in Stark County, he grew up on hard work and the steady scaffolding of faith. A believer in Providence and purpose, his upbringing rooted him in a code—duty to country, loyalty to comrades, and resolute courage.

His faith was a quiet fire. In the darkest night of battle, he reportedly whispered the psalm:

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...” — Psalm 23:4

This scripture was more than words—it was ballast when bullets tore through the night and men screamed for mercy.

The Battle That Defined Him: Resaca, Georgia, May 1864

The Civil War ground into its fourth brutal year when McKinley’s regiment, the 23rd Ohio Infantry, found itself entrenched at Resaca during the Atlanta Campaign. The terrain was dense, the enemy ruthless, and the stakes life or death.

On May 14, 1864, fierce hand-to-hand fighting erupted. Confederate forces poured relentless fire and charged with desperation. The Union lines faltered.

McKinley did not.

Amidst the melee, he noticed the regimental colors—a sacred symbol—had been dropped near the front. Without hesitation, he lunged into the storm. Amid whizzing bullets and bayonets, he seized the flag and raised it high. Rallying the wavering soldiers behind that proud banner, he inspired a fierce counterattack.

Holding that ground meant everything. It was a beacon for the Union troops, a statement that they would not break.

Medal of Honor: A Testament in Valor

The Medal of Honor citation succinctly captures his deed:

“For gallantry in action on May 14, 1864, Private William McKinley seized the regimental colors after the color bearer was shot, leading a successful rally that repelled the enemy.”[1]

His superiors lauded his bravery. Colonel William M. Nevin later reflected:

“Where others retreated in terror, McKinley advanced with the flag—unflinching, unyielding.”[2]

The medal was not merely an award; it was a testament to a man who embodied the warrior’s soul—fearless at the heart of chaos.

The Enduring Legacy of Duty and Redemption

McKinley’s story is not wrapped in glory or triumph but in the stark reality of sacrifice. His courage echoes through the years as a reminder: the battlefield is a crucible where men are forged and tested beyond judgment.

In battle, scars tell of pain survived and purpose fulfilled.

His faith, his valor, and his sacrifice formed the foundation of a life devoted to service—long after the last bullet was fired.

Every veteran knows this truth: courage is not absence of fear—it is action despite it.

And in the quiet moments after battle’s roar, there comes a reckoning. A chance to embrace redemption and to live a life worthy of those who never return.

To honor William McKinley is to honor all who fight, bleed, and stand tall — because they believe in something greater than themselves.

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

Sources

[1] U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients: Civil War [2] Histories of Ohio Regiments in the Civil War, The 23rd Ohio Infantry and the Atlanta Campaign