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1st Lieutenant William Field Rector, the oldest son of Arkansas Governor Henry Massey Rector, served in the 30th Arkansas Infantry of the Confederate Army. During the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863, 20-year-old William pushed rapidly toward the enemy-line and found himself 50 yards in advance of his regiment.  Fearing his men were about to falter, Rector scaled the breastworks of the enemy, reached the top and when within 20 feet of the federal line, he stopped, placed his cap upon his sword and held it out with his right hand, cheering his regiment forward.  In this position, his right arm was broken by a bullet from an enemy’s rifle, and his cap and sword fell to the ground.  With his left hand, he picked up his sword, thrust it through his cap and again held it aloft while cheering his men to action.  A second bullet from the enemy struck him, passing entirely through his body and piercing both lungs. His Regiment pressed forward and took the fort, but were soon compelled to abandon it, leaving William where he fell. Being recognized as the Governor’s son, William was taken to the home of family friends who resided in Helena, where he soon died.  He was buried in their flower garden and at a later date, his body was recovered and brought back to Little Rock for burial at Mount Holly Cemetery.  William is a recipient of the Confederate Medal of Honor.