Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Major in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Sergeant Major for action on July 3, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads "During the highwater mark of Pickett's charge on 3 July 1863 the colors of the 14th Tennessee Infantry CSA were planted 50 yards in front of the center of St. Maj. Hincks' regiment. There were no Confederates standing near it but several were lying down around it. Upon a call for volunteers by Maj. Ellis, cammanding, to capture this flag, this soldier and two others leaped the wall. One companion was instantly shot. Sgt. Maj. Hincks outran his remaining companion, running straight and swift for the colors amid a storm of shot. Swinging his saber over the prostrate Confederates and uttering a terrific yell, he seized the flag and hastily returned to his lines. The 14th Tenn. carried 12 battle honors on its flag. The devotion to duty shown by Sgt. Maj. Hincks gave encouragement to many of his comrades at a crucial moment of the battle." After the war he became a wealthy bank executive and prominent citizen in his hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and through his assistance circus showman and fellow Bridgeport native P.T. Barnum was able to found the Barnum Museum (which still exists today) and the Bridgeport Hospital.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Major in the Union Army. He was awarded the Medal of Honor as a Sergeant Major for action on July 3, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads "During the highwater mark of Pickett's charge on 3 July 1863 the colors of the 14th Tennessee Infantry CSA were planted 50 yards in front of the center of St. Maj. Hincks' regiment. There were no Confederates standing near it but several were lying down around it. Upon a call for volunteers by Maj. Ellis, cammanding, to capture this flag, this soldier and two others leaped the wall. One companion was instantly shot. Sgt. Maj. Hincks outran his remaining companion, running straight and swift for the colors amid a storm of shot. Swinging his saber over the prostrate Confederates and uttering a terrific yell, he seized the flag and hastily returned to his lines. The 14th Tenn. carried 12 battle honors on its flag. The devotion to duty shown by Sgt. Maj. Hincks gave encouragement to many of his comrades at a crucial moment of the battle." After the war he became a wealthy bank executive and prominent citizen in his hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and through his assistance circus showman and fellow Bridgeport native P.T. Barnum was able to found the Barnum Museum (which still exists today) and the Bridgeport Hospital.
Bio by: Don Morfe
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