Fasnacht participated in numerous significant battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, where he was wounded on December 13, 1862. However, his most notable act of bravery occurred on May 12, 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia.
The 99th Pennsylvania Infantry played a vital role in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, fought from May 8 to May 21, 1864. As part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, II Corps of the Army of the Potomac, the regiment was engaged in several key actions during this intense and protracted campaign.
May 8, 1864: Engagement at Laurel Hill
On May 8, the regiment participated in the assault on Laurel Hill. Despite facing formidable Confederate defenses, they pressed forward, suffering significant casualties, including the deaths of Captain Lewis Waters and Lieutenant Henry Zeisart.
May 10, 1864: Skirmish at the Po River
Two days later, on May 10, the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry was involved in operations near the Po River. These maneuvers aimed to flank Confederate positions and exert pressure along multiple fronts.
May 12, 1864: Assault on the Salient (Bloody Angle)
The regiment's most heroic action came on May 12 during the assault on the Salient, commonly known as the Bloody Angle. In this fierce combat, the 99th Pennsylvania demonstrated extraordinary courage, capturing two Confederate battle flags, two artillery pieces, and numerous prisoners. However, their bravery came at a high cost. Lieutenant Colonel Edwin R. Biles, Captain Peter Fritz, and Captain Washington Worrall were wounded, and the regiment's strength was drastically reduced—only four officers and 60 enlisted men remained from the 325 who had started the campaign just a week earlier.
The actions of the 99th Pennsylvania Infantry at Spotsylvania exemplified their valor and determination, contributing significantly to the Union's relentless efforts during the Overland Campaign. The sacrifices they endured reflect the intense and brutal nature of the Civil War.
During the fighting at Spotsylvania, Charles Henry Fasnacht performed a remarkable act of heroism. In a hand-to-hand contest, he captured the flag of the 2nd Louisiana Tigers, a Confederate unit. Severely wounded during this confrontation, Fasnacht lay on the battlefield for several days before being captured by Confederate forces. While being transported to Richmond, Virginia, he was rescued by Union troops. Throughout his captivity, Fasnacht had hidden the captured flag under his shirt.
For his extraordinary bravery, Fasnacht was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 2, 1878. His citation reads: "Capture of flag of 2nd Louisiana Tigers (C.S.A.) in a hand-to-hand contest."
Fasnacht was promoted to first lieutenant on February 7, 1865, and continued to serve until he was honorably mustered out on July 1, 1865. He passed away on July 21, 1902, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His legacy remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in the Civil War.
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