9th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Encyclopedia
The 9th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry was an infantry
regiment
that served in the Union Army
during the American Civil War
.
and mustered into Federal service on September 24, 1861.
The regiment was mustered out on July 18, 1865.
for his action during the Siege of Vicksburg. His citation notes that Elson, "Carried the colors in advance of his regiment and was shot down while attempting to plant them on the enemy's works."
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
regiment
Regiment
A regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
that served in the Union Army
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
.
Service
The 9th Iowa Infantry was organized at Dubuque, IowaDubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is a city in and the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2010 its population was 57,637, making it the ninth-largest city in the state and the county's population was 93,653....
and mustered into Federal service on September 24, 1861.
The regiment was mustered out on July 18, 1865.
Total strength and casualties
The regiment lost 12 officers and 142 enlisted men who were killed in action or who died of their wounds and 2 officers and 230 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 386 fatalities.Medal of Honor Awardee
Sergeant James M. Elson (later Lieutenant) received the Medal of HonorMedal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his action during the Siege of Vicksburg. His citation notes that Elson, "Carried the colors in advance of his regiment and was shot down while attempting to plant them on the enemy's works."