W. S. McDonald served as a private in Co. D, 26th NC Inf. He was wounded and captured at Gettysburg sometime between July 1 and July 5, 1863 and was hospitalized at Gettysburg before being transferred to David’s Island in New York Harbor. McDonald was paroled and returned to duty in early 1864. He deserted to the enemy “on or about” November 19, 1864, and was confined in Washington, DC before being released on November 25.