Ultimate Sacrifice At The Battle Of Kernstown

William Gray Murray was the first Pennsylvania colonel to die in the Civil War, and the highest-ranking officer to fall at the savage battle of Kernstown. Prior to the Civil War, Murray led a distinguished life. Murray served first as a young officer in the 11th U.S. Infantry–attached to Winfield Scott’s army in the Mexican War-and saw action at numerous battles during the famed drive on Mexico City. Returning to civilian life after the Mexican War, Murray worked as postmaster of Blair County, Pennsylvania.

Born in Ireland, Murray personified the American Dream, rising to positions of great importance despite his humble beginnings. When war came in 1861, Murray answered his adopted country’s call and accepted a commission as colonel of the 84th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Soon, Murray and his men found themselves thrust into the opening stages of the famed Shenandoah Valley Campaign, a situation for which the regiment was scarcely prepared. Murray ably led his regiment at Hancock, and played a leading role in foiling the plans of no less a general than Stonewall Jackson. Three months later, William Gray Murray paid the ultimate price of war, falling at the head of his regiment at the First Battle of Kernstown. Ultimate Sacrifice at the Battle of Kernstown relies heavily on unpublished and obscure sources, including newspaper articles and soldiers’ diaries and pension files. The book offers a fascinating glimpse not only of a largely forgotten life but also into the internal politics and feuds of an early war Pennsylvania regiment.