"he Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, was raging when the life of Major Anson G. McCook of the 2nd Ohio Infantry was saved by the daring act of a 17-year-old private in Co. G named William Surles. As Surles, "a mere boy, weighing less than a hundred pounds and of almost girlish appearance," remembered it, it was a spur of the moment decision.
"A Confederate soldier, a veritable giant in appearance, presently sprang from behind a tree close by and took deliberate aim at McCook," recalled Surles. "I had observed this fellow's movements and realized the great danger of my beloved commander. My blood froze in my veins as I saw the Rebel raise his gun and take aim at our brave leader. Presently, on the spur of the moment and moved by the love and admiration I felt toward our commander, I sprang directly in front of Colonel McCook, ready to receive the bullet which was to strike him."
That leap, combined with a timely shot from of Surles's comrades that dispatched the Confederate, saved McCook's life. McCook embraced Surles, and never forgot the act, one that Surles deemed as an act of love for his idolized commander. "I'm sure everyone in the regiment would have willingly sacrificed his life as I was willing to do," he said…"
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