During fierce hand-to-hand combat, Major Compson personally captured the headquarters flag of Confederate general Jubal Early.

Unlike many of the men whose bravery was not recognized for decades, Compson received his medal within a month of the battle.

He died on August 31, 1905, in Portland, Oregon, where he is buried in the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery.

Following his death in 1905, Compson faded from memory and his grave went unmarked for 100 years until Civil War amateur historians Roy Vanderhoof and Mike Stephenson, along with the considerable assistance of Congresswoman Darlene Hooley of the 5th Congressional District, obtained a proper headstone from the Federal Veterans Administration.

Early's headquarters.Captain Christopher C. Bruton of the 22nd New York Cavalry is also credited with the capture of this flag.