Jefferson McClellan was a private with the 86th Indiana. He served valliantly and lost his life at Missionary Ridge, TN, November 25, 1863

On November 25, 1863 Hooker's men were camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Not far from them was Grant and his command camped on the precipitous peak of Lookout Mountain where Grant could observe the ensuing battle on Missionary Ridge as it took place. Hooker's men were disgruntled and unhappy, they had lost the battle at Chickamauga but were determined to win this one. Through the night the Confederates bombarded the camp. As morning broke there was a thick fog in the low lying areas. Hooker had commanded his men to form long lines on the level ground below Missionary Ridge. Mid-afternoon the order came to advance and take out the first line of Confederate rifle pits. The men did so in just a few minutes. However, they continued up the steep, wood-covered slopes. Without orders and to Grant's consternation, the men continued to rush up the slopes, pushing the Confederates from their rifle pits to the ridge of the mountain. As they reached the crest the defenders broke into a panic and ran for safety. Bragg, Breckinridge barely escaped capture. Jefferson McClellan took a ball to the chest as he made his way to the crest. The Union won this battle as the Confederates ran from their pursuers. We believe that all who fought in this battle deserved a Purple Heart for the good fight.