Charles E. Brown (1841–1919)

A Schuylkill Haven sergeant who seized a Confederate flag with an empty rifle in his hands. Markers: ★ verified · ✔ confirmed · ✎ corrects a common error · ⚑ open/caution.

Charles E. Brown earned the Medal of Honor for capturing the flag of the 47th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) at the Weldon Railroad (Globe Tavern), Virginia, on August 19, 1864. ★ He served with Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry; the medal was issued December 1, 1864. ★

Brown was born on December 11, 1841 — his birthplace is recorded as Schuylkill County (his Wikidata record) and, in one local account, as Fernville, Bradford County. ⚑ He was accredited to Schuylkill Haven, where he lived and died on February 20, 1919, and is buried in Union Cemetery there. ★ He and fellow 50th-Pennsylvania recipient Henry Hill are both listed under Schuylkill Haven on the Pottsville memorial. ✔

Honored on: Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial.

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Sources

• Congressional Medal of Honor Society — Charles E. Brown
  License: reference

  Authoritative Medal of Honor recipient roster; facts here are summarized from the listed sources, not reproduced.

• Find a Grave — Charles E. Brown (Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven)
  License: reference

  Supports the place of burial: Union Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.

• The Pennsylvania Rambler — Medal of Honor: Charles E. Brown
  License: reference

  Supports Brown's own account of capturing the flag and his prisoners with an empty rifle ('with an empty gun').

• Hall of Valor Project — Charles Brown
  License: reference
• Wikidata: Charles Brown (Q16043649)
  License: CC0
• Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, Pottsville (Historical Marker Database)
  License: reference

Frequently asked

What did Charles E. Brown do to earn the Medal of Honor?

During the fighting at the Weldon Railroad (Globe Tavern), Virginia, on August 19, 1864, Sergeant Brown captured the battle flag of the 47th Virginia Infantry (C.S.A.) while serving with Company C, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry. The medal was issued December 1, 1864.

Where was Charles E. Brown from?

Brown was accredited to Schuylkill Haven, where he lived and died in 1919, and is buried in Union Cemetery there. His birthplace is recorded as both Schuylkill County and Fernville, Bradford County.