James Haley

This entry compiles the service records and historical contexts of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients whose last names begin with the letters G through L. During this pivotal conflict in American history, the Medal of Honor served as the nation's premier military decoration, recognizing exceptional acts of valor on the battlefield.

A significant portion of the Medals of Honor bestowed during the Civil War were awarded for the capture or preservation of regimental flags. In nineteenth-century warfare, these colors represented the literal and symbolic heart of a military unit, serving as crucial rallying points and navigation guides amidst the smoke and chaos of combat.

The loss of a regimental flag was a catastrophic event that could severely disrupt a unit's cohesion and morale, often carrying consequences more damaging than the loss of a commanding officer. Consequently, those servicemen who risked their lives to seize an enemy flag or defend their own were frequently recognized with the nation's highest military accolade.