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Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com |
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Private George Platt was one of 63 men who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in the battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1 - 3, 1863. On the last day of that battle, the 6th U.S. Cavalry rode to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, to investigate a report of an unescorted rebel wagon train. North of the city the Union forces were ambushed by the 7th Virginia Cavalry but repulsed the rebel forces. General William Jones' Confederate Cavalry Brigade launched a renewed assault, overwhelming the Union Forces. During the battle that followed, the color bearer of the 6th Cavalry was shot down. Private Platt quickly raced to rescue his flag and was immediately attacked. He tore the colors from the staff, placing the flag in the breast of his uniform, and rammed the staff like a spear through the first enemy soldier before him. He then slashed his way through the remaining rebel soldiers and, though the 6th Cavalry suffered 242 casualties and a sad defeat at the hands of the overwhelming number of Confederate soldiers, Private Platt's heroic actions saved the flag of the regiment from falling into the enemy's hands. |
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