Charles McAnally

Charles McAnally was a native of Glenviggan, County Londonderry, Ireland, who emigrated to the United States and served with the federal Union Army during the American Civil War. He was commissioned as an officer and served as a first lieutenant in Company D of the 69th Pennsylvania Infantry, a regiment noted for its high percentage of Irish-American soldiers.

During the intense fighting at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia on May 12, 1864, McAnally was severely wounded in action. Despite his injuries, he engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Confederate States Army soldiers and successfully captured the enemy's flag, demonstrating remarkable personal bravery.

For his gallantry in action at Spotsylvania, McAnally was later awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. He survived the war, was later promoted to the rank of captain, and was officially presented with his medal in October 1872.