From February 29, 1840, to December 9, 1908, American soldier William H. Carney participated in the American Civil War. Born into slavery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his valor in keeping the regimental colors intact during the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Despite being among the final African Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor for Civil War service, the action for which he was recognized preceded that of any other recipient. A few African Americans received the Medal of Honor as early…
William H. Carney: Christian Faith, Courage & the First African American Medal of Honor
