by Isaac Simon

Since the Medal of Honor was first established in 1861, only 88 Black service members have received the award, out of 3,498 total recipients. One of those service members, whose story has since been taken off the Pentagon website, was William Harvey Carney.

Carney was born into slavery in 1840, fleeing with his family to Massachusetts in the late 1850s. A young Carney showed interest in ministerial work, but when the Civil War began, he decided to enlist. He stated, “I could best serve my God serving my country and my oppressed brothers.” 

He joined the Union army in 1863 as part of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the Union’s first official African American unit. Only a few months later, Carney and his regiment found themselves leading the charge on the Confederate-held Fort Wagner in South Carolina. As the battle raged, Carney witnessed his unit’s color guard get shot, and, despite sustaining heavy injuries and seeing many of his compatriots fall, caught the flag and held it aloft.

“I threw away my gun, seized the colors, and made my way to the head of the column,” said Carnet. “I did my duty; the dear old flag never touched the ground.” And though the Union Army didn’t triumph at Fort Wagner, Carney and the 54th helped to inspire more Black men to enlist. 

Nearly 40 years later on May 23rd, 1900, President Theodore Roosevelt presented Carney with the Medal of Honor for his brave efforts at Fort Wagner. While Carney was not the first Black service member to receive the award, his actions in 1863 were the first to merit the Medal of Honor. 

Carney’s legacy extends beyond his valor in the Civil War. After getting discharged, Carney settled in New Bedford, MA, married Susanna Williams, and had a daughter. He joined the United States Postal Service as its first documented Black mail carrier, later serving as a messenger at the Massachusetts State House. 

William Harvey Carney’s story should never be silenced. It’s a strong reminder to resist oppression with valor, and to define patriotism by that continued fight. Find out more about William Harvey Carney here, and keep the story going.