The siege of Vicksburg, May 18 to July 4, 1863, began with a disastrous frontal attack by Union forces against the Stockade Redan. Federal casualties approached 1,000 against the defenders’ estimated 200. Many of the Union troops were pinned down and unable to move until dark. In the midst of the battle, Pvt. Kephart risked his life to guide a wounded officer to the rear under intense enemy fire. He then retuned to the front to assist others.

On August 17, 1898, Captain Joseph L. Horr wrote Senator Doliver, of Iowa, and requested that Kephart receive recognition for his gallant act.

At the assault on the rebel works at Vicksburg, May 19t , 1863, our battalion suffered a loss of 45 3/10 %. . . I was one of the severely wounded having been hit some six times.

I received my wounds close to the works when Kephart crawled up and dragged me down to a place of comparative shelter. . . We were over an hour in crawling a few hundred yards to the next line of hills in our rear. We were discovered and fired upon from almost the moment we started until we were out of range.

Instead of remaining with me as he might have done, Kepart at once returned and assisted others from the field who were unable to help themselves.