Michael Emmet Urell

Color bearer who held the regimental flag despite wounds.

Born in Ireland on November 8, 1844, Michael Emmet Urell immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York. He enlisted in the Union Army shortly after the outbreak of the American Civil War on April 17, 1861, joining Company E of the 82nd New York Infantry. Urell participated in major Eastern Theater engagements, including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Peninsula Campaign.

On October 14, 1863, at the Battle of Bristoe Station, Virginia, Private Urell was detailed as his regiment's color bearer. In an era before modern communications, a unit's flag was its primary rallying point, making the color bearer a highly visible and dangerous target for enemy fire. Urell displayed exceptional gallantry by remaining with the colors and maintaining his position under severe enemy fire until he was badly wounded. The Army formally recognized his heroism by presenting him with the Medal of Honor on June 6, 1870.

Despite his injuries, Urell returned to active duty and fought at the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864, where he was wounded again. His repeated injuries ultimately forced his honorable discharge later that month. He concluded his Civil War service with the rank of Brevet Major. Following the war, Urell worked for the War Department in Washington, D.C., and became a prominent leader in veterans' organizations, including the Grand Army of the Republic.

When the Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, the 53-year-old veteran returned to active military service as a Major in the 1st District of Columbia Infantry. He participated in the Santiago Campaign in Cuba and later helped guard Spanish prisoners of war. Returning home, he continued his military association as a Colonel in the District of Columbia National Guard and served as Commander-in-Chief of the National Army and Navy Spanish War Veterans. Urell died on September 6, 1910, in Ireland, and his remains were later returned to the United States to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.