Hiram W. Purcell

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Hiram W. Purcell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 31 May 1862, while serving with Company G, 104th Pennsylvania Infantry, in action at Fair Oaks, Virginia. While carrying the regimental colors on the retreat Sergeant Purcell returned to face the advancing enemy, flag in hand, and saved the other color, which would otherwise have been captured.