This book examines 24 outstanding participants in the American Civil War from both sides of the conflict, concentrating on many lesser-known personalities who nevertheless accomplished or took part in extraordinary battles, escapes and events. Covered here are men like Col. Robert G. Shaw (who died in the historic Union assault on Battery Wagner) and Sgt. Richard R. Kirkland (the "Angel of Fredericksburg"), and women like Sally Tompkins, who was commissioned as a captain so that she could legally operate her Richmond hospital. These stories, many previously untold, represent a wide range of unique Civil War personalities and events.