William Tecumseh Sherman was an American soldier who rose to the rank of General during the American Civil war. 16-year-old Sherman joined the United States Military Academy, and after graduation started his service as Second Lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. He was promoted as Captain, but resigned and held various jobs including that of a bank manager, lawyer, First Superintendent of the Louisiana military academy, and president of St. Louis Railroad company. With Lincoln calling for volunteers to quell secession, Sherman offered his service. He put up impressive action in First Battle of Bull Run, and provided logistical support to Brig. Gen. Grant for capture of Fort Donelson. His successful Union counterattack at Shiloh left him wounded in the hand and shoulder. At the Battle of Collierville, Tennessee, he successfully defended an attack by a 3,500 strong Confederate cavalry, and in the Battle of Chattanooga, he took Billy Goat Hill. However, his invasion of Georgia, and the capture of Atlanta city ensuring Republican candidate Lincoln’s presidential re-election, can be singled out as his biggest contribution to the Union. His March to the Sea saw the capture of the port of Savannah, Georgia. He further consolidated the Union victory by capturing South and North Carolina. He published a first-hand account of the Civil War, in his book ‘Memoirs’.