Veterans Day is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by those who’ve served. Consider William Skillen’s story.

Skillen had been a sergeant in the 20th Ohio Infantry, but was promoted to first lieutenant in the 9th Louisiana Infantry, African Descent, when its officer cadre was organized in April 1863.

At the battle of Milliken’s Bend, Skillen suffered numerous wounds. One gunshot clipped his mouth, “taking part of both lips and a tooth;” another ball went through his left arm. A Confederate musket butt opened up a gash three inches long on his head and exposed his skull. Comrade David Cornwell said Skillen “was bayoneted in several places” and had lain in the rifle pits unattended, because everyone thought he was dead. Col. Lieb later said, “I considered it … a miracle that Lieut. … Skillen could survive his many injuries.”

Remarkably, Skillen returned to his regiment on September 1. The following month, he was even promoted to captain. But apparently he was still too weak. In March 1864 he tendered his resignation.  “Mental and phisical incompetency,” he wrote, prevented him from fulfilling his duties.

So many men never lived to return to their regiments. Hundreds of thousands died in battle, from wounds or more commonly, disease. The cost was so great – to so many individuals, and families – and to our nation.

Please remember all of those who have served, and who continue to serve, today.

Thank you, Veterans!

Sources: Capt. William A. Skillen photograph, circa 1863, MASS-MOLLUS Collection, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle, PA. William A. Skillen Compiled Military Service Record, 5th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, National Archives. Linda Barnickel, Milliken’s Bend: A Civil War Battle in History and Memory (LSU Press, 2013), p. 102.