The Illinois in the Civil War Message Board

Praise for Color Bearer of 27th IL. in GA.

FORT SMITH NEW ERA, September 10, 1864, p. 3, c. 3

The Color-Bearer.

A correspondent of the Chicago Post relates the following of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the color-bearer of the 27th Illinois.

In the bloody charge led by General Hooker against Kenesaw, the 27th regiment was pressing upon the rebel works, and when they approached very near them Michael Delaney, the color-bearer, rushed some ten paces forward of the regiment, and, holding aloft the starry banner of his country, shouted to his comrades to follow. Just then a ball struck his left arm, inflicting a flesh wound, from which the blood trickled in profuse currents.

Still grasping the flat, and keeping it to the breeze, he drew his revolver, and rushing forward, leaped upon the works, waving his flag, and firing his pistol upon the foe.

Thus, standing upon the enemy's works, his pistol in hand, and his colors streaming over his head, the rebels approached him, one on each side, and thrust their bayonets into the sides of the hero martyr. He felt the cold steel pierce to the very quick of his young life, yet he did not falter. With the blood gushing from his wounds, he clasped the flag to his breast and bore it back in safety to his comrades, among whom he soon after bled to death.

Though no star or eagle decorated his shoulders, he is of the country's heroes, his name stamped upon theirs high on the roll of honor. Though no sculptured marble may mark the spot of his lonely grave among the melancholy pines of Northern Georgia, his intrepid bravery entitle him to the homage of all who honor the flag so bravely bore and laid down his life to save. The 27th Illinois suffered heavily, but behaved nobly, in this fierce and unequal contest of the 27th.

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Praise for Color Bearer of 27th IL. in GA.
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A Third Account of the 27th IL. Flag Exists