John B Mayberry

Capture of flag.

"Maberry's deed of valor came on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. There the 1st Delaware Regiment was a part of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Smyth's 2nd Brigade, Brig. General Hays' 3rd Division of Major General Hancock's II Corps."

"This day, July 3, 1863, the 1st Delaware was placed on Cemetery Ridge behind a short stone wall. About .9 of a mile in front, the Confederates were preparing for what was to become known as "Pickett's Charge". Finally, after a long bombardment the solid gray line of 15,000 men came into view and advanced."

"Col. Thomas Smyth ordered the 1st Delaware to hold their fire until the Confederates were only 50 yards away. Then 'Open Fire!' was the command and the four lines of soldiers let loose with a volley. The deadly fire stunned the Confederates but they still kept coming and falling. Finally, the charge faltered some 40 feet in front of the Delaware men."

"Regimental Commander Lieutenant William Smith led a countercharge as the 1st Delaware men jumped over the wall. Lt. Smith was later found dead with his sword in one hand and a captured flag in the other. Private Maberry was luckier than most as he captured the battle flag of the 7th North Carolina and lived to tell about it. "
(from Martin, Roger A., Delaware"s Medal of Honor Recipients)