Joseph E. Brandle

Holding the regimental colors at Lenoire

Joseph E. Brandle was born on 8 October 1835 in Seneca County, Ohio. He served with Company C, 17th Michigan Infantry in the United States Army during the American Civil War.

On 16 November 1863 at Lenoire, Tennessee, Brandle carried his regiment's colors through the fighting. Twice wounded and deprived of sight in one eye, he continued holding the flag until his regimental commander ordered him to the rear. The action earned him the Medal of Honor, awarded on 20 July 1897.

Brandle later held the rank of color sergeant. He died on 13 May 1909 in Coldwater, Michigan, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery there.

Medal of Honor citation

While color bearer of his regiment, having been twice wounded and had the sight of one eye destroyed, Brandle still held to the colors until ordered to the rear by his regimental commander.