Thomas J. Higgins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Higgins
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 8, 1831 Huntingdon, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | August 15, 1917 (aged 86) Hannibal, Missouri |
| Place of burial |
Holy Family Cemetery Hannibal, Missouri
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit |  Company D, 99th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Siege of Vicksburg |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Thomas J. Higgins (born June 8, 1831 – died August 15, 1917) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States. He earned this special award for his amazing actions during the Siege of Vicksburg. Higgins joined the 99th Illinois Infantry in August 1862 and finished his service in July 1865.
Contents
A Soldier's Journey: Thomas J. Higgins
Thomas J. Higgins joined the Union Army in 1862. He started as a private in Company D of the 99th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This group was part of the Army of the Tennessee. Their leader was General Ulysses S. Grant.
The Siege of Vicksburg
In 1863, General Grant's army began a long attack on Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was a very strong fort held by the Confederate army. The attack, called a siege, started on May 18, 1863.
A Moment of Courage
On May 22, General Grant ordered a big attack on Vicksburg. Thomas Higgins showed incredible bravery that day. The soldier who usually carried the regimental flag had been hurt. Higgins volunteered to carry the flag, becoming the "color bearer."
Higgins's group, the 99th Illinois, and four other Union regiments attacked a part of Vicksburg's defenses. These defenses were held by the 2nd Texas Infantry Regiment. The Texans fought back hard and stopped the attack.
An Unbelievable Act
Even after the attack was pushed back, Higgins kept going forward. He was still carrying the flag towards the Confederate lines. A soldier from the Texas regiment, Charles I. Evans, later said that about a hundred enemy soldiers aimed at Higgins. They fired at him from very close range, but Higgins was not hit.
When the Texans saw that Higgins did not stop or fall, they stopped shooting. Instead, they cheered him on! Higgins safely reached their defenses. The Confederate soldiers even congratulated him on his bravery.
Captured and Released
After this amazing event, Higgins was questioned by the Vicksburg commander, General John C. Pemberton. But Higgins refused to tell him anything important about General Grant's army. A few days later, he was released and sent back to his own side. He rejoined the 99th Illinois and stayed with his regiment until the war ended.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Because of his incredible bravery, even his captors asked that he be recognized. Thomas Higgins received the Medal of Honor on April 1, 1898. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can receive in the United States.
Later Life
Thomas J. Higgins passed away on August 15, 1917. He was buried at Holy Family Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri.
See also
