The port of Mobile, Alabama was a major target for the Southern blockade runners until it was closed by Admiral Farragut in a major sea battle on August 5, 1864. Although the battle ended the usefulness of the port, the city itself was not captured. Mobile remained in rebel hands until April 1865.

Union forces moved to capture Mobile in the spring of 1865 by attacking forts protecting it. Spanish Fort was encircled by April 1, and after a short siege was attacked on April 8th. In the charge, 1st Sgt. Bras captured a flag from the hands of a rebel color-bearer. The following General Order was issued to recognize his actions.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 24.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS
Montgomery, Ala., July 6, 1865

The Eighth Iowa Infantry Veteran Volunteers be paraded on Saturday, July 8, 1865, at 5 p.m. . . . and that the medals be presented to the proper persons, in the name of the honorable Secretary of War. Lieut. Col. J. J. Lyon, assistant inspector-general, Sixteenth Army Corps, is charged with the presentation and the execution of this order.

By order of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith