Joseph Hanks

Civil War Medal of Honor awardee

What is Joseph Hanks known for?

Born in Chillicothe, Ohio on April 22, 1843, Joseph Hanks became a notable figure as a soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Known to be a proud alumnus of Chillicothe High School, Hanks' life was marked by bravery and self-sacrifice.

Enlisting in the Union Army from 1862 to 1863, Hanks served as a Private in the 37th Ohio Infantry. His military journey led him to the Siege of Vicksburg in May 1863, a major battle during the Civil War.

At Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Union Army faced a challenging mission, described as a 'forlorn hope,' that was expected to result in heavy casualties. Hanks was part of the assault group, who knew the odds of survival were heavily against them. Nevertheless, he and others volunteered, showing commendable courage.

The Union soldiers were pinned down in a ditch they were meant to cross under heavy enemy fire. While many of his comrades fell, Hanks survived this dangerous mission, which ultimately led to the Union victory in the Siege of Vicksburg. Out of 150 men in the storming party, nearly half were killed, and 79 survivors were awarded the Medal of Honor.

A standout act of bravery occurred during the intense battle when Hanks risked his own life to save his wounded childhood friend, Antone Eppenhauer. Despite facing heavy enemy fire, Hanks carried Eppenhauer to safety and then returned to the fighting front. This heroic act became a legend, and nearly three decades later, it resulted in Hanks being awarded the Medal of Honor in 1917. His citation explicitly highlighted his voluntary act of rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire.

Joseph Hanks' dedication to his duty and fearless acts of bravery make him a significant figure in American history. Following the war, he lived until December 28, 1922, and his final resting place is in North Bend, Nebraska.

For anyone interested in learning more about Hanks, the Find A Grave entry details his life and contributions. The Military Times Hall of Valor also offers an extensive account of Joseph Hanks' actions during the Civil War.