Thomas J. Higgins

Through fire he planted the flag and never once turned back!

When the 99th Illinois Infantry recoiled from the Confederate works at Vicksburg on 22 May 1863, Sergeant Thomas J. Higgins did not turn back with it. He continued forward with the national colors, reached the enemy parapet, and was captured there.

Higgins was born on 8 June 1831 at Riverlequerre, Canada. During the Civil War he served in Company D, 99th Illinois Infantry. The regiment participated in Major General Ulysses S. Grant's campaign against Vicksburg, culminating in the costly assaults of May 1863 and the siege that followed.

The Medal of Honor citation focuses on Higgins's conduct during the assault of 22 May. As the regiment fell back, he continued toward the Confederate position and planted the flag on the parapet before being taken prisoner.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

At Vicksburg on 22 May 1863, Higgins continued forward after his regiment had fallen back, planted the national colors on the Confederate parapet, and was captured.

His Medal of Honor was presented on 1 April 1898. Higgins died on 15 August 1917 in Hannibal, Missouri, and was buried in Holy Family Cemetery there. His documented Army service qualifies for the Civil War Campaign Medal. No additional ribbon device is supported.