Sgt. Henry H. Taylor at Vicksburg-- Part 1

From "Deeds of Honor:  How America's  Heroes Won Medals of Honor" by Walter  F. Beyer, Oscar Frederick Keydel, 1901.

FIRST UNION FLAG IN VICKSBURG

When Fort Hill, one of the defenses  of Vicksburg, was undermined and blown up on the 25th of June, the 45th Illinois, of which Sergeant Henry H. Taylor was color-bearer, was the first regiment taken into the breach by General  M. D. Leggett, and fought there most gallantly until relieved.

According to the statement by General Leggett, he struggle was desperate.  The regimental colors were bravely supported  by Sergeant Taylor, and the first to be placed  in the rebel works during the siege.  

In the assault on the 22nd of May, a color bearer, further to the left of McClernand's front, had advanced far enough to plant his flag on or against the enemy's works.  This achievement, however,  was not regarded  as the placing of the Union's colors on the rebel works, as they were not held there.

--Old Secesh