David Frakes Day

When the Union Army called for volunteers to lead one of the Civil War's most dangerous assaults, Private David Frakes Day stepped forward without hesitation. Knowing the mission offered little chance of survival, he joined the famous "Forlorn Hope" storming party at Vicksburg and displayed the extraordinary courage that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.

David Frakes Day was born on 5 March 1847 in Ohio. As the American Civil War intensified, he enlisted in Company D, 57th Ohio Infantry, joining the Union Army in its fight to preserve the nation. Serving in the Western Theater, he participated in the Vicksburg Campaign, one of the most decisive operations of the war, where the capture of the Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River became a strategic priority for Union forces.

Day's defining moment came on 22 May 1863 during the Second Assault on Vicksburg. Union commanders organized a volunteer storming party, later known as the "Forlorn Hope," to advance ahead of the main assault. The volunteers were required to cross open ground under devastating Confederate rifle and artillery fire while carrying scaling ladders and other equipment needed to breach the enemy's fortifications. The mission was considered exceptionally hazardous, and casualties were expected to be severe. Despite the overwhelming danger, Day advanced with the storming party and displayed remarkable bravery throughout the assault.

For his gallantry during the attack, David Frakes Day was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. His official citation simply states, "Gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party." Although the action occurred in 1863, his Medal of Honor was awarded on 2 January 1895, when many survivors of the Vicksburg assault were formally recognized for their extraordinary heroism.

Day continued serving with the 57th Ohio Infantry until the end of the Civil War. His faithful wartime service later qualified him for the Civil War Campaign Medal, established by the War Department in 1907 to recognize Union Army veterans who served during the conflict.

After returning to civilian life, Day lived quietly as one of the many veterans whose sacrifice helped preserve the United States. Though he sought no public recognition, his Medal of Honor ensured that his bravery at Vicksburg would remain part of the nation's military history.

Private David Frakes Day died on 25 August 1914 and was buried at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. His legacy lives on through the Medal of Honor and the Civil War Campaign Medal, honoring a soldier who willingly volunteered for one of the Civil War's most perilous missions. His courage during the assault on Vicksburg continues to stand as a lasting example of selfless service, determination, and devotion to duty.