Charles McAnally facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles McAnally
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McAnally in 1865
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| Born | May 12, 1836 Glenviggan, Ballinascreen, County Londonderry, Ireland |
| Died | 1905 (aged 68–69) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  Company D, 69th Pennsylvania Infantry |
| Commands held | Company D |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War: |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles McAnally (born May 12, 1836 – died 1905) was a brave soldier from Glenviggan, County Londonderry, Ireland. He fought for the United States during the American Civil War as part of the Union Army. On May 12, 1864, he was badly wounded while fighting as a first lieutenant with the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry at Spottsylvania, Virginia. During intense hand-to-hand combat, he bravely captured an enemy flag from Confederate States Army soldiers. For this incredible act of courage, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 15, 1872. This is the highest award for bravery in the United States.
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Early Life and Moving to America
Charles McAnally was born in Glenviggan, Ballinascreen, County Londonderry, Ireland. In 1852, when he was about 16 years old, he moved to the United States.
Joining the Civil War
After Fort Sumter fell in April 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers. He needed soldiers to help protect Washington, D.C.. Charles McAnally was one of the first to answer this call.
He joined the army in Philadelphia during the summer of 1861. On August 1, 1861, he officially became a captain. He served with Company D of the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Bravery in Battle
In 1864, Charles McAnally was fighting as a first lieutenant. His unit, the 69th Pennsylvania, was part of the Union Army. They were involved in the fierce Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
On May 12, 1864, McAnally showed amazing bravery. He was in hand-to-hand combat with Confederate States Army soldiers. During this fight, he managed to capture the enemy's flag. He was severely injured during this action. He was cut in the head, shot in his left shoulder, and also shot through his right leg, knee, and head. His actions that day led to him receiving the Medal of Honor.
Later that year, in October, McAnally led his regiment in another important attack. This was during the Battle of Boydton Plank Road. They charged at Confederate troops to stop their artillery.
McAnally finished his military service with his regiment. He officially left the army in Philadelphia on July 1, 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Charles McAnally started a new life. On August 24, 1871, he married Frances 'Fanny' Veach in Burleson County, Texas. He then bought farmland in Lee County, Texas.
He married a second time on December 18, 1882, to Julia Hofheintz in Travis County, Texas. For some time, he lived in the city of Austin, Texas. He had one daughter, who was born in Texas in February 1880.
Later in his life, McAnally needed medical care. He was admitted to a home for disabled volunteer soldiers on March 5, 1896. This home was in Elizabeth City, Virginia.
Hospital records from that time noted his condition. They confirmed he had a gunshot wound to his left shoulder from the battle at Spotsylvania in 1864. He was described as a farmer, 5 feet 7 and a half inches tall, with gray hair and blue eyes.
Charles McAnally became ill with heart disease in July 1905. He passed away in a hospital in Washington, D.C., on August 8, 1905.
See also
