Years of service 1861 - 1864 | Battles/wars Battle of Vicksburg Name Isaac Carmin | |
Born November 17, 1841Monmouth County, New Jersey ( 1841-11-17 ) Died June 3, 1919, Washington Court House, Ohio, United States | ||
Battles and wars Siege of Vicksburg | ||
Corporal Isaac Harrison Carman (November 17, 1841 to June 3, 1919) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Carman received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi on 22 May 1863. He was honored with the award on 25 February 1895. Poorly kept records by the United States Government incorrectly spell his name as Carmin / Carmen.
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Biography
Carman was born on 17 November 1841 in Monmouth County, New Jersey. He joined the 48th Ohio Infantry in September 1861. He was promoted to corporal on 1 May 1863 and by the 22nd of May he performed the act of gallantry that earned him the Medal of Honor. On that day his company was part of a general assault on a fort during the second major assault in the Battle of Vicksburg. Carman was serving as color guard and, though severely wounded in the leg by a bayonet, prevented the capture of the colors by the Confederate forces.
Carman was involved in other battles including at "Shiloh, Holly Springs, Corinth, Chickasaw Bluffs, Post [of] Arkansas, Port Gibson [and] Champion Hills". He also served a period of detached service aboard the Gunboat Chillicothe between 23 January 1863 and 18 April 1863. He was captured at the Battle of Mansfield, and was a prisoner of war from 8 April 1864 until his exchange on 3 November 1864. He mustered out of service on 1 December 1864.
Carman died on 3 June 1919.
Medal of Honor citation
Saved his regimental flag; also seized and threw a shell, with burning fuse, from among his comrades.