Joel Parsons was a private in the 4th West Virginia Infantry and received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Vicksburg. According to the West Virginia Medal of Honor Recipients “>list, he “stormed a Confederate stronghold” on May 22, 1863. I noticed that the Medal of Honor winner listed above him, a Pvt. Jasper N. North from the same unit, received his Medal for the same action. Searching the page, I found Pvt. James C. Summers (4th West Virginia Infantry), Thomas J. Ward (116th Illinois Infantry), Pvt. William H. Barringer (4th West Virginia Infantry), Sgt. John C. Buckley (4th West Virginia Infantry); all awarded the Medal of Honor for this same action. From looking at regimental histories, it seems that the 4th West Virginia Infantry participated in assaults on the besieged city of Vicksburg on both May 19 and May 22. Vicksburg did not fall until July 4, 1863.
A Grave Concern 