John F. Reynolds was a Union general during the American Civil War. He is best known for his leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, where he played a crucial role in the early stages of the conflict. Reynolds was respected for his tactical skills and was considered a promising military leader. Born on September 21, 1820, in Pennsylvania, Reynolds graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in various conflicts before the Civil War, including the Mexican-American War. Tragically, he was killed at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, which was a significant loss for the Union forces.