Forrester L. Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Forrester Lore Taylor
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Forrester Lore Taylor, Medal of Honor recipient
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| Born | October 30, 1833 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | April 21, 1907 (aged 73) Rustburg, Virginia, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862-1864 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major |
| Unit | Company H, 23rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Forrester Lore Taylor (born October 30, 1833 – died April 21, 1907) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his courage. This happened during the Battle of Salem Church on May 3, 1863.
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Early Life
Forrester Taylor was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When the Civil War began, he was part of a local volunteer group called a militia in Burlington, New Jersey.
In July 1862, President Abraham Lincoln asked these local groups to join the main army. They would serve for nine months to help the country.
Military Service
Forrester Taylor's local group became Company A of the 23rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. He started as a sergeant on September 13, 1862. His unit joined the Army of the Potomac in October 1862.
They fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. Even though they were new, the 23rd New Jersey fought well. The battle was a loss for the Union army, and they spent the winter resting.
Promotions and Bravery
During the winter, Forrester Taylor was promoted three times. He became a second lieutenant on December 26, 1862. Then, he was promoted to first lieutenant on February 13, 1863.
Finally, on April 18, 1863, he became a captain and led Company H. He was in charge of his company during the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863.
During this campaign, his brigade attacked Confederate forces near Salem Church. The Confederate soldiers were in strong positions and had more men. The Union forces had to retreat and many soldiers were hurt.
Captain Taylor showed great bravery during this battle. He risked his own life to save two injured friends from the battlefield. He brought them to safety, which was a very dangerous act.
Medal of Honor
More than 33 years later, on November 2, 1896, Forrester Taylor received the Medal of Honor. This award recognized his heroic actions at Salem Church. His official award citation simply stated: "At great risk voluntarily saved the lives of and brought from the battlefield two wounded comrades."
Re-enlistment and Later Service
His first enlistment ended on June 27, 1863. However, he still felt it was his duty to serve. He joined a new unit, the 34th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, on October 6, 1863.
He became a captain and leader of Company H in this new unit. He served in Kentucky and Tennessee, performing guard duty and helping to keep order. He was discharged from service on December 2, 1864.
On March 13, 1865, he received a special promotion called a brevet promotion to Major. This was "for gallant conduct at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va." A brevet promotion is an honorary rank, often given for bravery.
Life After the War
After the war, Forrester Taylor lived in Virginia. He lived on a farm known as the "Sweeney Plantation" near Lynchburg. He was buried on his farm in his family's cemetery. This area is now part of Rustburg, Virginia.
For many years, his burial site was unmarked. But on April 22, 2007, a new white marble headstone was placed there by the U.S. government.
See also
