American soldier. His acts of bravery in the Civil War were the first actions to earn an African American the Medal of Honor. In 1863, during the Civil War assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina, Carney, although seriously wounded, struggled across the battlefield carrying the Union flag. His citation reads, “When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.”Although his were the first actions for which a Medal of Honor was awarded to an African American, he wasn’t awarded his medal until 1900, during which time other African Americans had received their award for actions which occurred after his heroics.It is believed he escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad.This battle is portrayed in the film Glory (1989).
jmworacle about 3 years ago
Wise words.
Drbarb71 Premium Member about 3 years ago
If only our Government would listen to those wise words!
christelisbetty about 3 years ago
Sgt. William Harvey Carney
Died December 9, 1908 b. 1840
American soldier. His acts of bravery in the Civil War were the first actions to earn an African American the Medal of Honor. In 1863, during the Civil War assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina, Carney, although seriously wounded, struggled across the battlefield carrying the Union flag. His citation reads, “When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.”Although his were the first actions for which a Medal of Honor was awarded to an African American, he wasn’t awarded his medal until 1900, during which time other African Americans had received their award for actions which occurred after his heroics.It is believed he escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad.This battle is portrayed in the film Glory (1989).
https://www.ThisDayTrivia.com/trivia/december-9?f=William-Harvey-Carney-death#William-Harvey-Carney-death