During the Civil War, Will Getty enlisted at Monroe, Michigan, in the 1st. Michigan Cavalry as a trooper and a veterinarian. The first enlistment was for three months as it was thought that the rebellion could be defeated in that time.

The 1st. Michigan Cavalry was organized by George Custer. This unit moved into Ohio to come under the command of General Phil Sheridan. Sheridan used the 1st. Michigan to form two units: the 1st. and 3rd. Michigan Cavalry. William found himself in the 3rd. Michigan which was ordered to Washington, D.C., where it was immediately used to confront the confederate forces in the first battle of Bull Run.

This ended in a rout of the Union Army and loss of all records, supplies and equipment. In the process, Will was wounded and was sent back to Tecumseh to recover. He had joined the cavalry because of his love of horses and of his knowledge as a veterinarian. The terrific slaughter of horses in battle turned him against the cavalry, so he reenlisted in the 6th. Michigan Infantry and was allowed time for his three months enlistment plus his recovery time. This unit, under Gen. Buell, served in the campaigns of Memphis, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Chicamauga and south.

At the end of the 6th Michigan Infantry's term of service the veterans petitioned to reactivate it. The petition was granted but was reinstated as the 6th. Michigan Heavy Artillery and was assigned to Major General E. R. S. Canby in the Mississippi River Campaign.

The last battle of any magnitude fought in the war was at Mobile, Alabama, where the 6th. Michigan was used to reduce Fort Morgan on Mobile Point and Fort Gaines which defended the entrance to Mobile Bay. The 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery mustered out on August 20, 1865, in New Orleans.

William was the great grand-uncle of Mildred (Roggerman) Heiden.