James M. Elson

The Colour-Bearer Who Carried His Regiment's Colours Into the Fire at Vicksburg

When the assault on Vicksburg's Confederate defences reached its most dangerous point, Sergeant James M. Elson advanced with his regiment's colours, exposing himself to devastating enemy fire. He was shot down while attempting to plant the flag on the Confederate works, but his extraordinary courage became part of the history of the American Civil War and earned him the United States Medal of Honor.

Born on 6 November 1838 in Coshocton, Ohio, Elson enlisted in the Union Army on 6 September 1861 and served with Company C, 9th Iowa Infantry. He entered the regiment as a corporal and steadily advanced through its ranks. His service took him through some of the Civil War's most demanding campaigns, including Pea Ridge, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta and Sherman's subsequent operations through Georgia and the Carolinas.

His defining act of bravery came on 22 May 1863 during the assault on Vicksburg, Mississippi. Serving as a sergeant and carrying his regiment's colours, Elson moved ahead of his comrades toward the enemy's fortified positions. In the midst of intense fighting, he attempted to plant the colours on the Confederate works but was struck down by enemy fire. His official Medal of Honor citation records his extraordinary action: "Carried the colors in advance of his regiment and was shot down while attempting to plant them on the enemy's works."

For this conspicuous gallantry, Elson received the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him on 12 September 1891. His courage at Vicksburg, however, was only one part of a demanding military career. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on 23 May 1863 and later to First Lieutenant on 25 August 1864. During the Atlanta Campaign, he was severely wounded in the breast on 17 August 1864. Despite the hardships of his service, he remained associated with the 9th Iowa Infantry until his personal muster-out at Goldsboro, North Carolina, on 6 April 1865.

His reconstructed honours record also recognizes eligibility for the Civil War Campaign Medal under the later statutory provisions for deceased veterans' families. The medal was authorized on 11 January 1905, and the Act of 12 May 1928 provided for its issue to eligible families. Elson had died before the medal was established, and actual receipt by his family has not been confirmed.

James M. Elson died on 26 March 1894 in Vinton, Iowa. His story remains a testament to the courage of the ordinary soldiers who carried their regiments' colours through the fiercest battles of the American Civil War. At Vicksburg, his determination to keep the colours moving forward, even under deadly fire, secured his place among America's Medal of Honor recipients.