Nov. 25, 1863, in the heat of America’s Civil War. Under heavy fire from Confederate soldiers, the Union Army was set to retreat from Missionary Ridge. At this crucial moment, a Confederate soldier shot a Union standard-bearer. The battalion’s flag, which had traveled with the Army all the way from Milwaukee, fell to the Tennessee ground.

Without hesitation, a young Lt. Arthur MacArthur Jr. picked it up. He held the colors high and shouted, “On Wisconsin!” He charged uphill toward Confederate defenses, bullets whizzing by. Inspired, thousands of Union soldiers followed his charge. Two shots hit MacArthur. Still, he surged forward and planted his unit’s flag in the middle of the Southerners’ defensive fortifications—an incredible act of courage.

Overwhelmed by the surge of Union soldiers, the Confederates had no choice but to retreat to Georgia. With Chattanooga secured, this victory became a turning point in the war. Some called this watershed victory “the war’s most notable example of a frontal assault succeeding against entrenched defenders holding high ground.” It was due in part to the heroic bravery of 18-year-old MacArthur.

Soon after the battle, MacArthur was promoted to the rank of colonel, a notable achievement for a teenager. He served 40 more years in uniform, including a stint in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. In 1890, he received the U.S. Medal of Honor. His son, Douglas MacArthur, later fought in the Pacific theater of World War II with the same devotion to victory. He too earned the Medal of Honor for his great leadership, making them the first father and son to receive this prestigious award.

Just before his death, Arthur MacArthur Jr. referred to his unit as the “indomitable regiment.” In his mind, there was no choice in war but victory. His son Douglas MacArthur felt the same, and so must we. May we all join the ranks of such fearless determination to plunge into enemy lines when duty calls. May we all hold our family colors high in faith. May we all force the foe to retreat in the face of our spiritual courage. And may we long uphold our unwavering commitment to victory whatever the battle may be. For in war, said Douglas MacArthur, “There is no substitute for victory.”