This flag was carried by Companies A, B and C of the Turner Battalion, 1st Regiment Missouri Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Francis Blair. They took part in the capture of Camp Jackson and the battles of Boonville, Duck (Dug) Springs and Wilson’s Creek. The red stripes carry the following inscriptions: “St. Louis Turner-Regt”; “Booneville June 17, 1861”; “Carthage July 5, 1861”; “Duck Springs Aug 2 & 3 1861”; “Wilson’s Creek Aug 10 1861.” The battle honor for Carthage is actually incorrect—the 1st Missouri Infantry was not there, but many other Germans from the St. Louis area did take part in that action.
The battalion was largely foreign born, with 48% Germans from the St. Louis Turners Society and 8% Irish.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30049
