William Taylor (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Taylor
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| Born | 1836 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | April 6, 1902 (aged 65–66) Baltimore, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Loudon Park National Cemetery, Baltimore
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 1st Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Front Royal • Battle of Globe Tavern |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William Taylor (1836 – April 6, 1902) was a brave soldier and officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage in two different battles in Virginia. These battles were the Battle of Front Royal in 1862 and the Battle of Globe Tavern in 1864.
Contents
William Taylor's Early Military Life
William Taylor joined the Union Army on May 27, 1861. He started as a sergeant in Company H of the First Maryland Regiment. He quickly showed his leadership skills.
Promotions and Service
Taylor was promoted several times during the war.
- On April 12, 1863, he became a second lieutenant in Company C of the same regiment.
- By June 7, 1865, he was promoted to captain of Company E.
He finished his service and left the army with his company on July 2, 1865.
Heroic Actions and the Medal of Honor
Captain Taylor was recognized for two incredibly brave acts during the war. These actions earned him the Medal of Honor.
Burning the Bridge at Front Royal
On May 23, 1862, during the Battle of Front Royal in Virginia, Captain Taylor showed great courage. Confederate forces were advancing quickly. To slow them down, it was vital to destroy a bridge.
- Captain Taylor, then a sergeant, volunteered for this very dangerous mission.
- He went with another soldier to set the bridge on fire.
- Enemy bullets were flying all around them.
- Sadly, his companion was killed during the mission.
- Captain Taylor was shot in his right hand.
- Even though he was wounded and alone, he managed to set the bridge on fire.
This act stopped the Confederates from crossing and helped protect the Union forces.
Carrying the Colors at Petersburg
Captain Taylor showed his bravery again on August 14, 1864, during the Battle of Petersburg in Virginia. This battle was part of the larger Battle of Globe Tavern.
- During intense fighting, several soldiers carrying the regimental flag (called "color bearers") were shot down.
- The flag is very important to a unit's morale.
- Captain Taylor, then a lieutenant, bravely picked up the flag.
- He carried it forward under heavy enemy fire.
- He held the flag until a new color bearer could take over.
During this action, Captain Taylor was severely wounded in his leg. He never fully recovered from this injury.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Captain William Taylor lived in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued to be involved with veteran groups.
Later Years and Passing
Captain Taylor was a member of:
- The Union Veteran Legion
- Wilson Post
- The Medal of Honor Legion
He passed away on April 6, 1902, at the age of 65 or 66. His death was linked to the wounds he received during the war. He was buried in the Loudon Park National Cemetery in Baltimore. He was survived by his wife, Ruth M., and his two sons and one daughter.
See also
