Auzella Savage

When enemy fire shot away the flagstaff above Auzella Savage's hand at Fort Fisher, the ordinary seaman seized what remained of the staff and brought the colors safely off the field.

Savage was born in 1846 at Anson, Maine. During the Civil War he served aboard USS Santiago de Cuba as an ordinary seaman.

On January 15, 1865, Savage joined the naval landing party attacking Fort Fisher. He stayed in the fight after most of the marines and sailors had fallen back. Even after the flagstaff was struck by enemy fire, he preserved the colors and carried them from the field.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

Stayed with the assault after most fell back and, when the flagstaff was shot away, saved the colors and brought them off.

Savage was lost at sea in the Atlantic in February 1882. His burial is recorded simply as lost at sea.

His record is best understood through the documented service, action, and award rather than by filling gaps with unsupported detail.