William Pittenger enlisted as a private in Company H of the 2nd Ohio Infantry Regiment on April 17, 1861 for three months of service.. During this enlistment he participated in the First Battle of Bull Run. He then re-enlisted as a corporal in November of that same year for a three year term. In April of the following year he volunteered to head south behind enemy lines to capture a locomotive and destroy the rail line as they raced north.

This is the story of the failed attempt, the escape, capture and execution of eight soldiers as spy's and Pittengers eventual release by prisoner exchange.