William Campbell (Medal of Honor, 1840) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Campbell
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| Born | April 28, 1840 County Down, Ireland |
| Died | April 19, 1919 (aged 78) Iowa, US |
| Place of burial |
Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit |  30th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry - Company I |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Siege of Vicksburg |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William Campbell (April 28, 1840 – April 19, 1919) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He received it for his amazing courage during the Siege of Vicksburg on May 22, 1863.
Contents
What Was the Siege of Vicksburg?
The Siege of Vicksburg was a very important battle during the American Civil War. It happened in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, wanted to capture Vicksburg. This city was important because it controlled a key part of the Mississippi River. Taking Vicksburg would help the Union win the war.
The Daring Plan for Attack
On May 22, 1863, General Grant ordered a big attack on the Confederate defenses at Vicksburg. The plan was very risky. A special group of volunteers was needed to go first. Their job was to build a bridge over a ditch and place ladders against the enemy's dirt walls. This had to be done before the main attack started.
Why Was This Mission So Dangerous?
The volunteers for this mission knew it was extremely dangerous. Many people called it a "forlorn hope." This old phrase meant a mission where there was very little chance of survival. Only single men were allowed to volunteer. Even then, twice as many men as needed stepped forward, showing how brave they were. The attack began early in the morning after the navy fired cannons at the enemy.
The Battle and Its Outcome
As soon as the Union soldiers started moving, they came under heavy enemy fire. They were stuck in the ditch they were supposed to cross. Even though the main Union army attacked many times, the brave volunteers could not retreat until it got dark. Out of 150 men in this special group, almost half were killed. Seventy-nine of the soldiers who survived this incredibly dangerous mission were later given the Medal of Honor for their bravery. William Campbell was one of these heroes.
See also
