William E. Miller (soldier, born 1836)
William Edward Miller was an American soldier and Pennsylvania State Senator. He fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Miller received his country’s highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken on July 3, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg.
About William E. Miller (soldier, born 1836) in brief
William Edward Miller was an American soldier and Pennsylvania State Senator. He fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Miller received his country’s highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken on July 3, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg. He disobeyed orders to lead a surprise attack against a Confederate charge. Said to have saved Gettysburg for his decision to break rank, this was claimed to be the first time in American military history where a soldier was awarded for disobeying a direct order. Miller was shot through the right arm, but was never court-martialed for his actions. He died on August 24, 1864, and was buried in West Hill, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1836.
He was the oldest son of Andrew and Eleanor Miller, who ran the family farm. Miller served as a second lieutenant in the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry and was one of the few officers who retained his commission. He met Prince Philippe, the Count of Paris, who was serving as assistant adjutant general to Major General George B. McClellan with the rank of captain. Miller also served in the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War and was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1864 to 1875. He also served as mayor of West Hill from 1875 to 1876. He is buried at West Hill with his wife and three children. He had a son, William Edward Miller, Jr., who served as the United States Secretary of the Army from 1876 to 1878.
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