Capture the flag

 

 

I wrote this and a few other postings while I was on the airliner to and fro to London for our cruise.  So this is a week or so old.  Sorry.

 

 This Medal of Honor series has been an enjoyable research episode. I've learned quite a bit about the Medal of Honor's history. (Yes, Beans, I still have a few more USAF Recipients to report upon.) Just thought I'd do some background.  So...

 

 

SOURCE

 

  This is what I thought capturing the flag involved.  I wasn't wrong and the flag for both sides was generally the communication  and organization method used by the commanding general to control their troops in battle up to and including the Civil War.  After the Civil War, military units started stopping carrying the colors  and were replaced with the invention of the radio.

 

However, up to that point, in American battles, capturing the enemy's flag or protecting yours was a common reason to award the Medal of Honor. In the Civil War, There were 1523 Medal of Honor Recipients, many, if not most, were capturing or protecting the flag.

 

Source

 

 

JACOB PARRISH 

 

Jacob Parrish was the First Recipient of the Medal of Honor.  His Award reads First US MOH Recipient.

:

 

One of the 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell) penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.

 

That didn't happen very often and still doesn't. 

 

 First MOH Recipient

 

Jacob Parrish was the First Recipient of the Medal of Honor.  His Citation reads:

 

"One of the 19 of 22 men (including 2 civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Mitchell (or Buell) penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta."

 

  

SOURCE

 

The picture above links to a story of the Medal of Honor to George W. Reed, the hero mentioned in the picture above.  A very interesting story and the Honoree survived the event and the Civil War, passing in 1906.

 

OK, Juvat why was capturing the enemy's flag such a big deal?  A good question that finding the answer was rewarding. 

 

Good question, I didn't know, but a little internet research......

 

"Capturing an enemy’s battle flag during the Civil War was considered one of the most dangerous and significant acts of valor because the flag was the regiment’s most important battlefield reference point.

 

Military importance of the flag
In the pre‑radio era, regimental colors were carried by a color bearer and guarded by a small “color guard.” They served as the primary visual guide for troop movements in the smoke and chaos of battle, directing soldiers forward or back, and often acting as rallying points Congressional Medal of Honor Society+1. Losing the flag meant confusion, disarray, and the risk of friendly fire. Both Union and Confederate soldiers knew that killing or capturing the color bearer was a major tactical blow Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

High risk of capture
Because of their strategic value, enemy flags were heavily defended. Penetrating the color guard’s defenses and returning with the flag required bravery in the face of heavy fire. Many attempts failed, and those who succeeded often did so at great personal cost theedgeofmemory.com.

Symbolic and morale impact
Capturing a flag was not just a tactical win — it was a morale boost for the capturing side and a blow to the enemy’s cohesion. It could demoralize troops, disrupt command, and signal to the enemy that their unit was vulnerable National Cemetery Administration. In some cases, like Thomas Custer’s double-flag capture, the act honored two enemy regiments at once National Cemetery Administration.

Examples of Medal of Honor captures
Several Medal of Honor recipients were honored for flag captures, including:

• - Corporal George W. Reed (1864) capturing the 24th North Carolina Infantry’s flag during the Weldon Railroad campaign Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

• - Corporal Harrison Collins (1864) killing a Confederate major and routing his men to secure a flag theedgeofmemory.com.

• - Major William B. Hincks (1863) capturing a Confederate 14th Tennessee Infantry flag during Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg www.war.gov.

• - Captain Thomas Custer (1865) capturing two Confederate flags at Namozine Church and Sailor’s Creek National Cemetery Administration.

 

In summary: Capturing the flag earned a Medal of Honor because it was a rare, high‑risk feat that disrupted enemy command, boosted friendly morale, and demonstrated exceptional courage under fire — all of which aligned with the criteria for the nation’s highest military honor"

 

A lot, if not most, of the Civil War Recipients received the Medal because of this action.  Who am I to judge?

 

Taken verbatim from here Bing.Com (The link is embedded.)

 

 

 I found this whole subject very interesting and time consuming, but...when you're on two flights totaling 34 hours of your time going to and fro, what else do you have to do!

 

Enjoy!

The End of an Era

The Marquess of Anglesey at Waterloo¹
Jan Willem Pieneman (PD)

The Earl of Uxbridge rode up to the gathering of staff officers around the Prince of Orange in a foul mood. He had just come from the far left flank, where with his cavalry he had been trying to delay the advance of a sizeable French force. The few prisoners they had taken claimed they were under the command of Maréchal Vandamme.

Uxbridge had scoffed at that, "Vandamme is nothing more than a Général de Division, he's not a bloody marshal!'

The ensign he'd torn a strip from had looked offended, then had pointed out that one of the prisoners, a captain, had sworn seeing Bonaparte promote Vandamme at Ligny. If, as the man had said, his Excellency, the Earl, didn't believe him, then perhaps the Earl should go and see for himself.

He had damned the man's insolence but regardless of Vandamme's rank, his forces were coming on string and weren't all that far behind.

"De Lancey! What in the seven hells is going on here?" Uxbridge also took the time to throw a disrespectful look at the Prince.

"La Haye Sainte has fallen, the 95th are holding the Frenchies at bay for the moment, but their ammunition is not limitless. The Prince here, insists that we throw in the last of Pack's brigade to drive them off. Ompteda has already been torn apart attempting that. There is more French cavalry down in that valley than I can scarce believe!"

"Where the bloody hell is the Duke!?" Uxbridge barked, not seeing his commander anywhere nearby.

"He's back at the village, he's badly wounded, Doctor Hume says he might not survive the day."

Uxbridge's face went pale, the Duke, mortally wounded? Now this sprig of Dutch aristocracy was attempting to take command?

Leaning in, he grasped the bridle of the Prince's horse, "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but your army has scarce two thousand men on the field. This is no longer an allied army, it's a bloody British army. Now sod off."

The Prince turned beet red, "How dare you ..."

Turning to a sergeant of hussars who had accompanied him throughout this long day, Uxbridge barked, "Sergeant Wolsey, please escort the Prince to the nearest Dutch contingent. There may some left out on the left, Boney's boys have been driving them from the field, but mayhaps a few stragglers from his lot might be needing his leadership, we don't need it here."

Without another word to the Prince, Uxbridge turned back to De Lancey, "What say you, Sir William?"

De Lancey looked down at the ground and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, my Lord, I see no alternative but to retreat on Ghent. As fast as bloody possible."

At that moment everyone felt the ground shaking, the French cavalry!

"For now, Sir, we need to take shelter in yon square!" De Lancey shouted then turned his mount.

Vive l'Empereur!
Édouard Detaille (PD)

The Emperor turned and looked for Grouchy, the man was busy describing what he wanted next, Napoléon was impressed with the man's eye for detail. He had sent a brigade of light cavalry up the slope in support of the heavy brigade which had sabered a Hanoverian brigade to pieces next to the farm of La Haye Sainte. Napoléon could sense that the critical point in the battle was upon them.

"Ney!"

Le Rougeaud had been fuming the entire afternoon, like a hunting dog held back on the leash, scenting blood, he wanted to be released into the fray.

"Sire!"

Napoléon thought the man was ready to vomit flames from his mouth, he was so keyed up.

"Take my Guard and drive those people from that ridge. Grouchy will provide support. I believe d'Erlon has his lads up there already, they just need a push and I think the whole facade will come crashing down."

Ney smiled from ear to ear, drawing his sword he galloped back to where two brigades of Guardsmen stood, ready for action. Napoléon watched, he was reluctant to send in his grenadiers and chasseurs, but now was the moment, this was what he paid them for.

The Attack of the Middle Guard Against Wellington's Center at the Battle of Waterloo
Giuseppe Rava
Source

Maréchal of France Michel Ney felt that this, this very moment, had to be the most special of his long career. He was riding at the head of the "immortals" as the rest of the army called them. Not because of their prowess in battle, but because they were seldom committed to battle. Each man in their ranks had proven himself in war, membership in the Guard was a reward for long, dedicated service.

But in the back of every man's mind they knew, that occasionally, le Tondu would call on them to justify their existence. When the battle was in doubt or when the enemy needed one final blow to finish things, the Guard would march.

In the front of the advance were the Middle Guard, so called to distinguish them from the older, more experienced men in the senior regiments known as the Old Guard, and from the more junior regiments of the Young Guard. Behind them marched the Old Guard, a solid corps of the most fierce soldiers in Europe.

The Old Guard wore the tall bearskins which distinguished them on the battlefield, most of the Middle Guard wore whatever could be scraped together after the Emperor's reappearance in France earlier in the year. Some had bearskins, a number had shakos and many even wore nothing more martial than a fatigue cap. But to dismiss them because of their appearance could be fatal.

One Hanoverian regiment of young soldiers and inexperienced officers made that very mistake. They attempted to charge the oncoming 3rd Regiment of Chasseurs à Pied² with their bayonets. A volley knocked many of those young men off their feet, then the chasseurs lowered their own bayonets and plunged into the confusion.

The Hanoverians fled, leaving disaster in their wake.

A Cameron, piper Kenneth McKay of the 79th Highlanders urging on the Highland Line at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815
William Lockhart Bogle (PD)

"We stand here, laddies! The Duke is counting on us!"

The young captain of the 92nd Highlanders, now commanding the amalgamated survivors of Quatre Bras, scarcely 400 men of all three Highland regiments present at that debacle, watched with his heart in his throat as the Imperial Guard slammed into the British line not a hundred paces to their right.

Across the valley, what looked like a wave of steel was coming down the slope and then up the slope towards his own position. Heavy French cavalry, cuirassiers and carabiniers³ their sabers glittering, the sun shining off their breastplates, the captain felt the need to urinate become incessant, then he heard it and his heart steadied.

Pipe Major Kenneth McKay of the 79th had stepped out of the ranks, his pipes penetrated the din of musketry, the roar of cannon, and the screams of the combatants. The captain recognized the tune, for a moment he was back in the Highlands, back in his home, then he blinked and shouted, "Make ready!"

The Highland volley emptied many a saddle, but to no avail, the last survivors of Quatre Bras perished under the hooves and heavy sabers of the cuirassiers.

Le maréchal Ney et ses aides-de-camp conduisant la charge de cavalerie à Waterloo.⁴
Louis Dumoulin (PD)

The sounds of battle were gone, all that was left were the screams and moans of the wounded. The night was full of horrors as the peasants and uniformed marauders made their way over the field of battle, robbing the dead and the not quite dead of their valuables. Some of the wounded were quietly dispatched if they were determined to retain their property.

The Emperor had pickets stationed around the area to try and dissuade these practices, as old as warfare. He knew it would have little effect, but he felt the need to try.

"Sire?"

Napoléon looked up, snapping back to the present from his thoughts, "What is it, de la Bédoyère? Have they found him?"

The Comte de la Bédoyère, one of the Emperor's aides, stepped into the lamp light with a disheveled Englishman, from the look of the man, he was a surgeon.

"Sire, this is Doctor Hume, Wellington's physician. He has been treating the Duke. He is still alive, though barely."

"Convey me to him."

The small party stepped into the farmer's house, in a back bedroom, alone, was Sir Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Napoléon stopped in the doorway, if things had been different, that might have been him lying on the bed, dying after an ignominious defeat. Today though, it was his opponent, his most inveterate opponent in Spain, Napoléon had never met Wellington in battle before this day. But the man had defeated many of the Emperor's best marshals, for that, he had Napoléon's respect.

The Emperor turned, "Send for Larrey."

"Sire, I don't think there is anything that ..."

"Do it."

He approached the bed, Wellington opened his eyes, weakly he spoke, "Ah, General Bonaparte, well met, Sir."

Being addressed by his family name and his old rank rather grated on the Emperor's nerves, but he could be magnanimous when needed.

"Your men fought well today, Your Grace. They died well."

Wellington smiled softly, then died.

Their was silence in the room, Napoléon stood there for a long moment, gazing down at his dead foe.

Napoléon spoke, softly, "Mon général, votre gloire vivra éternellement.⁵"

Then the Emperor turned on his heel and left the building.

The Comte de la Bédoyère later swore that there was a tear running down Napoléon's cheek in the dim lamplight of the Great Duke's death chamber.

The Battle of Waterloo was over, the French had won and were now moving on Brussels.

¹ Henry Willian Paget, known as Lord Uxbridge during the Waterloo campaign.

² Literally "Hunters on foot," French Imperial Guard light infantry

³ Cuirassiers and Carabiners at Waterloo wore steel back and breast plates. The cuirasses of the Carabiniers were covered in brass sheathing. Both types wore helmets and were big men riding big horses.

⁴ Marshal Ney and his aides-de-camp leading the cavalry charge at Waterloo.

⁵ My general, your glory will live forever.

Joe Jackson MOH updated

 Old pilots AND Bold pilots

Sarge posted a tale about this MOH recipient back in 2015.  That's long enough to post a rerun.  Besides, I've been on Vacay for a week.  Yes, Beans, a very relaxing cruise on a Disney Cruise ship around Norway with Little J, LJW and the lovely Miss Bella.  Great fun!  So,  the story of this hero's efforts has been in the hopper for about 10 days.  Enjoy. 

 

Source

 

 

Source

If you'll notice in the bottom left corner of the picture, there's a airplane there. That would be LtCol Jackson's C-123 which he has landed on an airstrip that is under artillery attack.  His intent is to prevent 3 Americans from being captured by the VC.  As I read through the information about this episode, I realized that I would have to revise my normal saying I had back in my flying days.  It used to be "I'd rather be lucky than good".  It became "I'd rather be lucky AND good."  

Well done LtCol Jackson and well deserved. 

Addendum

Flight examiner/co-pilot Maj. Jesse W. Campbell; Flight Engineer TSgt. Edward M. Trejo; Loadmaster SSgt. Manson L. Grubbs, the crew of Jackson's plane on this mission, each received the Air Force Cross.

 Citation for the award of the Medal of Honor to LtCol Joe Jackson USAF

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Jackson distinguished himself as pilot of a C-123 aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of a 3-man USAF Combat Control Team from the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc. Hostile forces had overrun the forward outpost and established gun positions on the airstrip. They were raking the camp with small arms, mortars, light and heavy automatic weapons, and recoilless rifle fire. The camp was engulfed in flames and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris. In addition, eight aircraft had been destroyed by the intense enemy fire and one aircraft remained on the runway reducing its usable length to only 2,200 feet. To further complicate the landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only one air strike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt. Lt. Col. Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt to rescue. Displaying superb airmanship and extraordinary heroism, he landed his aircraft near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. While on the ground, his aircraft was the target of intense hostile fire. A rocket landed in front of the nose of the aircraft but failed to explode. Once the combat control team was aboard, Lt. Col. Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire directed across the runway in front of his aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson's profound concern for his fellow men, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself, and the Armed Forces of his country. 

He passed away in 2019 at age 95.  A life well lived and a reward well earned.  Rest in Peace. 

 

Medal of Honor Facts and Figures

 

 Ok, This posting is about the facts, figures and numbers concerning the Medal of Honor.  We'll start with the very first ones, then the number awarded in each of the wars and other "operations" and then the latest Recipient from each service.  One may surprise you.  

Enjoy! 

 

The Medal of Honor throughout the Ages

Source 

 

History of The Medal of Honor (Source)

"The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. The medal was first authorized in 1861 for Sailors and Marines, and the following year for Soldiers as well. Since then, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of all DoD services and the Coast Guard.

Medals of Honor are awarded sparingly and are bestowed only to the bravest of the brave; and that courage must be well documented. The most recent U. S. Army recipients are listed below

Since 1998 at least 15 other Medals of Honor have been awarded to correct past administrative errors, oversights and follow-up on lost recommendations or as a result of new evidence.

Here are just a few examples of Soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor from three wars. Their actions, like the other recipients of the medal, were far and above the call of duty.

During the Civil War, the job of color bearer was one of the most hazardous as well as important duties in the Army. Soldiers looked to the flag for direction and inspiration in battle and the bearer was usually out in front, drawing heavy enemy fire while holding the flag high. On Nov. 16, 1863, regimental color bearer Pvt. Joseph E. Brandle, from the 17th Michigan Infantry, participated in a battle near Lenoire, Tenn. "...[H]aving been twice wounded and the sight of one eye destroyed, [he] still held to the colors until ordered to the rear by his regimental commander."

Cpl. Alvin C. York, from the 82nd Division, fearlessly engaged the numerically superior German force at Chatel-Chehery, France, on Oct. 8, 1918 - just a month before the armistice was signed. His citation reads: "...After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and three other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command. Fearlessly leading seven men, he charged with great daring toward a machine gun nest, which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machine gun nest was taken, together with four officers and 128 men and several guns."

Valor is found across the times as well as across the ranks, as World War II 2nd Lt. Robert Craig, from the 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrated. According to his citation, 2nd Lt. Craig volunteered to defeat an enemy machine gun that three other officers before him could not. He quickly located the gun outside of Favoratta, Sicily, but without cover, he and his men found themselves vulnerable to approximately100 enemies. "Electing to sacrifice himself so that his platoon might carry on the battle, he ordered his men to withdraw... while he drew the enemy fire to himself. With no hope of survival, he charged toward the enemy until he was within 25 yards of them. Assuming a kneeling position, he killed five and wounded three enemy soldiers. While the hostile force concentrated fire on him, his platoon reached the cover of the crest. 2nd Lt. Craig was killed by enemy fire, but his intrepid action so inspired his men that they drove the enemy from the area, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile force."

Source 

 I found the above source to be very well written, so copied it verbatim.

Source

The first Medal of Honor was awarded to  Jacob Parrot pictured above.

Medal of Honor Recipients by Conflict

Conflicts	Recipients
Civil War	1522
Indian Campaigns	426
Korea 1871	15
Spanish American	110
Samoa	4
Philippine Insurrection	80
Philippine Outlaws	6
Boxer Rebellion	59
Mexican Campaign	56
Haiti	6
Dominican Republic	3
World War I	124
Haiti 1919-1920	2
Nicaraguan Campaign	2
World War II	464
Korean War	133
Vietnam	246
Somalia	2
Operation Iraqi Freedom	4
Operation Enduring Freedom	6
Operation Inherent Resolve	6
Non-Combat	193
Unknowns	9

 There have been 3520  of Medals of Honor awarded of which 62 recipients are still alive.  19 were double awards and 204 were awarded in Non-Combat incidents. Non-Combat awarding was discontinued in 1945.  Most had been boiler explosions on the old Navy ships.

The latest Army Medal of Honor recipient is Major Nicholas Dockery.   

 
Source

The latest USAF Medal of Honor recipient is  MSGT John A Chapman. 

Source

 

 

The latest USN Medal of Honor recipient is Elmer Royce Williams. He is known for his solo Dogfight with seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War shooting down four.

Source

 

 

The latest USMC Medal of Honor Recipient is Corporal Kyle Carpenter

Source

 

 

The latest USCG Medal of Honor Recipient is Douglas A. Munro 

(The Only USCG Medal of Honor Recipient) 

 

Source

Well, Campers, that's all I got.  Hope you folks realize how much Americans have given to keep this Country free.

 

"Never give up. Never surrender!" While it is quoted in a comedy, I think that's a pretty good strategy which was and is followed by an awful lot of Americans. 

 

 It caught my Eye that there were Non Combat Medal of Honor Recipients. 193 of them, their stories can be found here. For those interested this is  a policy for awarding that has been changed. 

 Finally, it occurred to me as I read the stories that every one of them to one degree or another was scared to death, yet continued to do there duty.  I think that's a pretty good definition of the word "Valor"!

Sources

https://www.cem.va.gov/history/Medal-of-Honor-history.asp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients   All of them

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/overview 

https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/statistics.html   Number chart