Through the drifting smoke & confusion, the Colonel witnessed a stirring scene. Near the center of the line stood Sergeant Andrew Tozier with his color staff planted at his side, the upper part clasped in his elbow "...with musket and cartridges seized from his fallen comrade at his side he was defending his sacred trust in the manner of song & chivalry".

“The five man color guard seemed to keep the enemy in check. . .by their heroic bearing and not from the numbers”. Posting himself beside Sgt. Tozier, the colonel led his troops on a rush down the slope into the ranks of the exhausted Alabamians. Joshua Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor. Upon his commander's recommendation Tozier was also awarded the Medal of Honor.