John Harvey Fisher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Harvey Fisher
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1837 |
| Died | September 16, 1895 (aged 57–58) |
| Place of burial |
Mountain View Cemetery, Longmont, Colorado
|
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit |  55th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Commands held | Unit B |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Siege of Vicksburg |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
John Harvey Fisher (1837 – September 16, 1895) was a brave officer who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the Medal of Honor for his amazing courage. This special award was given to him for his actions during the Siege of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863.
Fisher joined the 55th Illinois Infantry as a regular soldier, called a private, in September 1861. He served until May 1865, when he was discharged from the army.
Contents
The American Civil War
The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States. It lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was fought between the Northern states, known as the Union, and the Southern states, called the Confederacy. A major reason for the war was the issue of slavery.
The Siege of Vicksburg
The Siege of Vicksburg was a very important battle during the Civil War. It took place in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was a key city because it was located on the Mississippi River. Controlling Vicksburg meant controlling a vital part of the river. This would cut off supplies for the Confederacy.
The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, tried to capture Vicksburg. They surrounded the city, cutting off all supplies. This type of attack is called a "siege." The siege lasted for many weeks in 1863.
A Daring Union Attack
On May 22, 1863, General Grant ordered a direct attack on Vicksburg. The Confederate soldiers had strong defenses on high ground. The Union plan was very risky. It involved a small group of volunteers going first. Their job was to build a bridge over a ditch and place ladders against the enemy's walls. This would help the main attack force.
The "Forlorn Hope" Mission
This dangerous mission was known as a "forlorn hope." This old term meant a task where survival was very unlikely. Only single men were allowed to volunteer. Even then, twice as many men as needed stepped forward, showing their incredible bravery.
The attack started early in the morning after the Union navy fired cannons at the city. The Union soldiers immediately faced heavy enemy fire. Many were trapped in the ditch they were supposed to cross. Despite repeated attempts by the main Union army, the volunteers of the "forlorn hope" could not retreat. They had to wait until nightfall to escape.
Out of 150 men in this brave group, almost half were killed. Seventy-nine of the soldiers who survived this incredibly dangerous mission were later awarded the Medal of Honor. John Harvey Fisher was one of these heroes.
