Charles F. Sancrainte

Captured a Confederate battle flag at Atlanta

Charles Francis Sancrainte, also recorded as Sanscrainte, was a Union soldier from Monroe, Michigan, who earned the Medal of Honor during the Battle of Atlanta. Born on February 28, 1838, he served as a private in Company B, 15th Michigan Infantry, a regiment that fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.

### The Battle of Atlanta

On July 22, 1864, Union forces outside Atlanta faced a major Confederate assault against their left flank. During the fighting, Sancrainte climbed over the opposing breastworks and signaled his commanding officer. He then fought at close quarters and captured the colors of the 5th Texas Regiment. Taking an enemy regiment’s flag was a conspicuous act in the middle of a confused, dangerous engagement: the regimental colors marked a unit’s position and were fiercely defended.

Sancrainte received the Medal of Honor on July 25, 1892, for his actions at Atlanta. He later lived in Buffalo, New York, and died there on May 5, 1910. He was buried at United German and French Cemetery in Cheektowaga, New York.

### Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Charles Francis Sancrainte, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 July 1864, while serving with Company B, 15th Michigan Infantry, in action at Atlanta, Georgia. Private Sancrainte voluntarily scaled the enemy's breastworks and signaled to his commanding officer in charge; also in single combat captured the colors of the 5th Texas Regiment (C.S.A.).

### Sources

- Congressional Medal of Honor Society, “Charles Francis Sancrainte,” recipient record and citation. - The National Medal of Honor Museum, “Sancrainte, Charles Francis,” recipient record. - U.S. Army, “Civil War (M–Z Index),” Medal of Honor recipient citations.