Alexander Scott: A Hero of Monocacy
Quick answer: Who was Alexander Scott?
Alexander Scott was a corporal in the color guard of the 10th Vermont Infantry who, at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, picked up the regiment's national flag when its bearer collapsed and carried both colors through the rest of the battle. He received the Medal of Honor in 1897 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Do you ever feel you can't go on? Think of Alexander Scott. Born in Montreal in 1844, he moved with his parents to Burlington, Vermont, when he was six. His father enlisted in the 5th Vermont and died of wounds at Annapolis in October 1862. Alexander joined the 10th Vermont Volunteers, was promoted to corporal, and served in the color guard of Company D, carrying the state flag at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, the battle often credited with saving Washington. He was in some of the heaviest fighting on the Thomas Farm. As his regiment withdrew under heavy fire, he saw the color sergeant carrying the national colors fall out exhausted and drop to the rear, which meant certain capture. Scott, nearly overcome by heat and fatigue himself, picked up the national flag and carried both colors for the rest of the battle. A bullet struck his blanket roll and shoulder and knocked him down, but he kept the flags from capture. After recovering, he rejoined his regiment and was with it on the march to Danville, Virginia, in April 1865. He was discharged in July 1865. His commander, recommending him for the Medal of Honor, wrote that Scott had "refused promotion for the honor of remaining in that important and hazardous service" with the color guard. He received the Medal of Honor in September 1897. First Lieutenant George E. Davis, also of Company D, was the regiment's other Monocacy recipient. Scott died on May 26, 1923, and is buried in Section 17 at Arlington National Cemetery. If you wonder whether one person can make a difference, think of him.
Why it matters for leaders: Scott was exhausted too, and he still picked up a second flag rather than let it fall.
Q: What was the Battle of Monocacy?
A: A July 9, 1864, battle in Maryland where Union forces under Gen. Lew Wallace delayed Jubal Early's advance on Washington long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
Q: Where is Alexander Scott buried?
A: In Section 17 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Read the full article on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/alexander-scott-hero-monocacy-john-fenzel
By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation