Charles H. Ilgenfritz

When the color bearer of the 207th Pennsylvania fell after being struck repeatedly, Sergeant Charles H. Ilgenfritz sprang forward, seized the flag, and planted it on the enemy works.

Charles H. Ilgenfritz was born March 4, 1837, in York County, Pennsylvania. During the Civil War he served as Sergeant in Company E, 207th Pennsylvania Infantry. He later attained the rank of First Sergeant.

On April 2, 1865, at Fort Sedgwick, Virginia, he carried the colors through grape, canister, and musket fire during the final assault outside Petersburg.

Medal of Honor Citation

Seized the colors after the color bearer fell and planted them on the enemy fort under grape, canister, and musket fire.

He died March 31, 1920, at York, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery in York.

His record is strongest when kept close to the documented service, action, and award rather than filling gaps with unsupported detail.