The New York State Battle Flag Collection
includes four U.S. Signal Corps Battle Flags attributed to first
lieutenant, later captain, David A. Taylor for conspicuous service at
the Battle of Winchester, Virginia, March 23, 1862. During the battle,
Taylor and his Flagman, Oliver Temple, successfully operated one of six
signal stations. Later, Taylor and Temple accompanied the Union advance
and, while under heavy enemy fire, Taylor had a button shot off his overcoat
and Temple suffered an arm wound. In accordance with General Orders
previously issued by Chief Signal Officer
Major Albert J. Myer on March 19, 1862, Taylor was eligible to place
upon his service flags a star and to carry a flag, with a star, at ceremonial
occasions. Each flag's star should include the name of the battle in
which the star was earned in the star's upper point.
The flag seen below in the lower right corner is silk and is believed
to be the
ceremonial
flag, whereas
the other three, each cotton, are believed to be Taylor's service
flags. Interestingly, the star on the white silk flag is pointed down
while the stars on the other three flags are correctly aligned (point
up). In addition, "WINCHESTER" is printed on all the flags below except
the ceremonial flag where it is appliquéd. All measurements
exclude the ties. |
