15th Wisconsin regiment standard bearer

1:30 scale handmade tin soldier of a sergeant regimental standard bearer from the 15th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry - which was the Scandinavian regiment that participated in the American Civil War. This regiment consisted mainly of Norwegian immigrants and was led by Colonel Hans Christian Heg. The 15th Wisconsin regimental flag was made of blue silk with an American eagle with a shield and arrows in the center. There was a ribbon in the eagle’s beak with the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” surrounded by stars, and above it were clouds and sun rays. At the very top, “FORWARD” was written in gold letters. At the bottom was a ribbon with “15th Regt. WISCONSIN VOL.” in gold letters, and above this word “SCANDINAVIAN.” The original regimental standard of the 15th Wisconsin is preserved by the Wisconsin Historical Society. During the American Civil War, flags were an important tool for communication on the often chaotic and confusing battlefield. Federal volunteer regiments carried two standard-pattern flags, a national flag with stars and stripes and a blue regimental flag with a spread eagle in natural colors. Soldiers rallied around their flags to maintain their correct position, and from a distance, officers could see each regiment’s position on the battlefield by locating their flags. The utility and symbolism of regimental flags and standards made them a primary target for the enemy. Standard bearers had more casualties and injuries than regular soldiers, and carrying a flag in battle was considered a job for especially brave men. A large proportion of Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War were standard bearers.