This is a tough one to answer because there were plenty of heroes on both sides. It is safe to say, however, that Shiloh represented the appearance of the rebel yell and the fury of the Confederates on the attack; it also demonstrated the solid, cool spirit of the Northern men on defense. In a sense, one can say that both armies fought very well.

On the Confederate side, the worst loss was experienced around 2:30 P.M. General Johnston was impressed by the federal defense, and, intending to break its center, he rallied his men and led a charge. He took a relatively small bullet wound to his foot, but quickly bled to death. Johnston’s death was a serious blow to the Confederate effort. General Beauregard, who replaced him as commanding general, attempted to disguise the fact that Johnston had fallen.