William Edward Miller (February 5, 1836December 10, 1919) was an American soldier and Pennsylvania State Senator who fought with the Union Army in the American Civil War. Miller received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for actions taken on July 3, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg. While ordered to keep his company stationed on a hill, he disobeyed these orders to lead a surprise attack against a Confederate charge. Said to have saved Gettysburg for his decision to break rank, this was claimed to be the first time in American military history where a soldier was awarded for disobeying a direct order. Early life William Edward Miller was born to Andrew and Eleanor (née Umberger) in West Hill, Pennsylvania, one mile west of Plainfield, on February 5, 1836. As the oldest son, William helped his father run the family farm and care for his five younger siblings. He received a limited education in the local school system and at 16 joined a local cavalry militia, the "Big Spring Adamantite Guard". Civil War service At the onset of the American Civil War, Miller's cavalry unit was one of the first militia to offer their services to Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin. Miller was mustered into the Union Army as a second lieutenant on August 8, 1861, for a three-year enlistment, and the unit was given the designation Company H of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry. Because Miller had served with the militia for nine years preceding the war, he was one of the few guards who kept his former rank. After cavalry training at Camp Marcey near Washington, D.C., Miller was one of the few officers who retained his commission. Miller first saw service in 1862 during the Peninsula campaign. After fighting in skirmishes around Yorktown, Virginia, the 3rd Pennsylvania was relocated to Williamsburg. Once in Williamsburg, Miller was ordered by Brigadier General Samuel P. Heintzelman to deliver a message to Major General George B. McClellan back at Yorktown. After successfully completing his orders he received commendations from both generals. During this campaign, Miller met with Prince Philippe, the Count of Paris, who was serving as assistant adjutant general to McClellan with the rank of captain. The two maintained a friendship following the war. In September 1862, the 3rd Pennsylvania was sent to Maryland to defend against the invasion force of Robert E. Lee. On