Benjamin F. Falls was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, though he later moved to Massachusetts, where he would eventually answer the call to serve. He traveled to Lynn, Massachusetts, to enlist and was mustered into Company A of the 19th Massachusetts Infantry. His role as a Color Sergeant was one of the most dangerous and prestigious on the Civil War battlefield, as it required him to carry and defend the regimental colors, serving as a beacon for his fellow soldiers amidst the chaos of combat.

On July 3, 1863, during the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 19th Massachusetts found themselves at the center of the storm. They were positioned near the “Copse of Trees” on Cemetery Ridge, the primary objective of the Confederate assault known as Pickett’s Charge. As the Confederate lines breached the stone wall, the fighting became a desperate, hand-to-hand struggle.

During this intense melee, Sergeant Falls distinguished himself through an act of extraordinary bravery. He successfully captured the flag of a Confederate regiment, a feat that not only demoralized the enemy but served as a powerful symbol of the Union’s resilience. For this specific act of gallantry, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions contributed to the successful repulse of the Confederate high-water mark, securing a vital victory for the Union.