William H. Carney: First African American to Perform a Medal of Honor Action
Sergeant William H. Carney holds a distinguished place in United States military history as the first African American to perform an action officially recognized with the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration for valor. Carney’s bravery during the Civil War exemplified extraordinary courage under fire and helped redefine perceptions of African American soldiers in combat.
Carney was born into slavery in Norfolk, Virginia, around 1840. His early life was shaped by the brutality of slavery, but he gained his freedom before the Civil War and later settled in Massachusetts. When the conflict erupted, Carney enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first official Black units in the Union Army. The regiment was formed in 1863 and quickly became known for its discipline, bravery, and commitment to the fight against slavery and oppression.
On July 18, 1863, Carney and the 54th Massachusetts took part in a daring assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. During the fierce battle, Union soldiers attempted to plant the American flag atop the Confederate fort’s parapet. When another soldier fell and the flag touched the ground, Carney seized it, fully aware that surrendering the flag would symbolize defeat. Despite being wounded multiple times, he carried the flag throughout the fight and never let it fall, even while retreating under heavy enemy fire.
Carney’s actions that day embodied the highest ideals of duty and patriotism. Although the Medal of Honor was not awarded to him until decades later, in 1900, his conduct at Fort Wagner was the first action by an African American recognized with this honor. His courage helped challenge the prejudiced belief that Black soldiers lacked valor, proving instead that they would fight with unwavering resolve.
After the war, Carney worked to support veterans and remained a respected figure in his community. He died in 1908, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and the indispensable role African American soldiers played in securing the nation’s freedom. William H. Carney’s Medal of Honor action stands as one of the defining stories of African American military heroism in U.S. history.
