Nicholas Geschwind facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicholas Geschwind
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The Army Medal of Honor from the Civil War era
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| Born | 1829 Alsace-Lorraine, France |
| Died | January 2, 1897 Quincy, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |  116th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Siege of Vicksburg |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Nicholas Geschwind (born 1829 – died January 2, 1897) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award, for his courage during the Siege of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863.
Geschwind joined the 116th Illinois Infantry in October 1862 when he was 33 years old. He served until June 1865, when his regiment completed its service.
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Serving in the Civil War
Nicholas Geschwind was part of the Union Army, which fought to keep the United States together during the American Civil War. He joined the 116th Illinois Infantry Regiment. This group of soldiers was made up of volunteers from the state of Illinois.
Joining the Army
In October 1862, Nicholas Geschwind decided to join the army. He was 33 years old at the time. He became a soldier in the 116th Illinois Infantry. This regiment played an important role in many battles.
End of Service
Geschwind served in the army for about three years. He stayed with his regiment until June 1865. This was when the war was ending and his unit was officially released from duty.
The Siege of Vicksburg
One of the most important events Nicholas Geschwind took part in was the Siege of Vicksburg. This was a major battle during the Civil War. It happened in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
What Was the Siege?
A siege is when an army surrounds a city or fort. They try to cut off all supplies and stop people from leaving or entering. The goal is to make the people inside surrender. The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, surrounded Vicksburg.
The Attack on May 22, 1863
On May 22, 1863, General Grant ordered a big attack. The Union soldiers were to charge the Confederate defenses. These defenses were on high ground, making them very hard to attack.
A Dangerous Plan
The plan for this attack was very risky. A special group of volunteers was needed. Their job was to build a bridge over a ditch and place ladders against the enemy walls. They had to do this before the main attack began.
The "Forlorn Hope"
This dangerous mission was called a "forlorn hope". This old term meant a mission where there was very little chance of survival. Only single men were allowed to volunteer. Even then, twice as many men stepped forward as were needed. Many were turned away.
Facing Enemy Fire
The attack started early in the morning. It began after the navy fired cannons at the Confederate positions. But the Union soldiers immediately faced heavy enemy fire. Many were pinned down in the ditch they were supposed to cross.
A Difficult Retreat
The main Union army tried to attack many times. But the men of the "forlorn hope" could not retreat. They were stuck under fire until nightfall. Out of 150 men in this brave group, almost half were killed.
Medal of Honor for Bravery
Because of their incredible bravery, 79 of the soldiers who survived this mission were given the Medal of Honor. Nicholas Geschwind was one of these heroes. This award recognized his outstanding courage and sacrifice.
