|
|
Article: This week in Black history.(Jimmy Carter appointed Patricia Roberts Harris)(William H. Carney receives Congressional Medal of Honor)(Brief article)
- Article from:
- Jet
- Article date:
- July 24, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
July 18, 1863-
On this day, Sgt. William H. Carney became the first Black soldier to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor as a member of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry. He suffered severe wounds as he retrieved the colors (regimental flag) after the color sergeant was killed during his unit's rush on Fort Wagner. Despite his grave injuries, Carney refused to relinquish the flag until he delivered it to the last surviving officer. Born in Norfolk, VA, in 1840, Carney was one of the 27 who joined the 54th Massachusetts Infantry in New Bedford once the Civil War formed Black Army units. Carney later was honorably discharged from the Army because of ...