Norman J. Hall facts for kids

Norman Jonathan Hall (born March 4, 1837 – died May 26, 1867) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War. He is well-known for successfully defending his part of the Union line. This happened against a famous attack called Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Early Life and Education

Norman Hall was born on March 4, 1837, in New York State. His parents were Joseph and Edify Hall. He had several brothers and sisters. By the summer of 1849, his family had moved to Raisinville, Michigan.

On March 19, 1854, Hall was chosen to attend the United States Military Academy. This famous school is often called West Point. He was appointed by Jefferson Davis, who was then the Secretary of War. Davis later became the President of the Confederate States of America. Hall graduated from West Point in July 1859. He was 13th in a class of 22 students. He became a second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery.

On February 24, 1862, Hall married Louise Latham in Brooklyn, New York. They had two sons.

Service in the Civil War

Hall was serving in South Carolina at Fort Sumter when the Civil War began. He was involved in talks with Confederate leaders early on. During a long artillery attack, the United States flag was knocked down. Hall bravely ran through flames to save the flag. He got his eyebrows permanently burned in the process. With help from two other soldiers, he put the flag pole back up. "Old Glory" flew again over the damaged fort. When the Union soldiers left the fort, Hall went home to Monroe, Michigan. There, he helped recruit many volunteers for the Army.

Early Commands and Bravery

Hall was promoted to first lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Artillery on May 14, 1861. During the Peninsula Campaign, he led the artillery for Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's division. In July 1862, he became a colonel. He took command of the 7th Michigan Infantry. He led this regiment during the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Maryland Campaign.

At the Battle of Antietam in September, his regiment faced heavy fighting. They lost 60% of their soldiers. Hall then took command of the 3rd Brigade. He was wounded shortly after. Hall was praised for his courage at Antietam. He was also honored for his actions at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside asked for volunteers to cross a river. This was a very dangerous task. The 25-year-old Hall stepped forward to lead his men across. Although sharpshooters stopped the bridge from being finished, Hall's men later crossed in boats. This brave act helped clear the way for other Union troops. One soldier later wrote that it was "a display of heroism."

Heroism at Gettysburg

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Hall's brigade was positioned along Cemetery Ridge. This was a key part of the Union line. His brigade was attacked by Confederate soldiers. They managed to take a battery of cannons in front of Hall's position. But Hall's men fought back and pushed them away. Hall's brigade lost over 200 men in this intense fight.

On July 3, three large Confederate divisions launched a massive attack. This attack is famously known as "Pickett's Charge." Hall's Brigade was quickly sent to help. They closed a dangerous gap in the Union line. Their actions were very important in securing the Union victory. For his great service at Gettysburg, Hall received his third citation for bravery. He was promoted to captain in the regular army on August 1, 1863.

Later Life and Passing

Many expected Hall to receive more honors and promotions. However, the hard conditions of the Gettysburg Campaign and later movements affected his health. He became ill with various sicknesses. This forced him to take sick leave. He never served in the field again. He left the volunteer service in May 1864. In February 1865, Hall retired from the regular army. He held the rank of brevet lieutenant colonel. Two years later, he passed away. He was buried at the Post Cemetery at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.