The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Joseph E. Brandle, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 16 November 1863, while serving with Company C, 17th Michigan Infantry, in action at Lenoire Station, Tennessee. While Color Bearer of his regiment, having been twice wounded and the sight of one eye destroyed, Private Brandle still held to the colors until ordered to the rear by his regimental commander.