| |
| |
"Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship in the United States." - - Frederick Douglass
These words spoken by Frederick Douglass moved many African Americans to enlist in the Union Army and fight for their freedom. With President Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Civil War became a war to save the union and to abolish slavery.
African American US Colored Troops Civil War
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
Company E, 4th US Colored Infantry at Fort Lincoln
Civil War (1861 - 1865)
ANDERSON, BRUCE Rank and organization: Private, Company K, 142d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Fisher, N.C., 15 January 1865. Entered service at: Ephratah, N.Y. Born: Mexico, Oswego County, N.Y., 9 June 1845. Date of issue: 28 December 1914. Citation: Voluntarily advanced with the head of the column and cut down the palisading. BARNES, WILLIAM Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: St. Marys County, Md. Date of issue 6 April 1865. Citation: Among the first to enter the enemy's works; although wounded. BEATY, POWHATAN Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company G, 5th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Delaware County, Ohio. Birth: Richmond, Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it. BLAKE, ROBERT Rank and organization: Contraband, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: Virginia. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Accredited to: Virginia. Citation: On board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, in an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind. BRONSON, JAMES H. Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company D, 5th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Delaware County, Ohio. Birth: Indiana County, Pa. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it. BROWN, WILLIAM H. Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1836, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Stationed in the immediate vicinity of the shell whips which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells, Brown remained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan. BROWN, WILSON Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1841, Natchez, Miss. Accredited to: Mississippi. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Knocked unconscious into the hold of the ship when an enemy shellburst fatally wounded a man on the ladder above him, Brown, upon regaining consciousness, promptly returned to the shell whip on the berth deck and zealously continued to perform his duties although 4 of the 6 men at this station had been either killed or wounded by the enemy's terrific fire. CARNEY, WILLIAM HARVEY Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Wagner, S.C., 18 July 1863. Entered service at: New Bedford, Mass. Birth: Norfolk, Va. Date of issue: 23 May 1900. Citation: 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. DORSEY, DECATUR Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 39th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July 1864. Entered service at: Baltimore County, Md. Birth: Howard County, Md. Date of issue: 8 November 1865. Citation: Planted his colors on the Confederate works in advance of his regiment, and when the regiment was driven back to the Union works he carried the colors there and bravely rallied the men. ENGLISH, THOMAS Rank and organization: Signal Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1819, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: English served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship. FLEETWOOD, CHRISTIAN A. Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 4th U.S. Colored Troops, Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Baltimore, Md. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Seized the colors, after 2 color bearers had been shot down, and bore them nobly through the fight. GARDINAR, JAMES Rank and organization: Private, Company I, 36th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Gloucester, Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Rushed in advance of his brigade, shot a rebel officer who was on the parapet rallying his men, and then ran him through with his bayonet. HARRIS, JAMES H. Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At New Market Heights, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: St. Marys County, Md. Date of issue: 18 February 1874. Citation: Gallantry in the assault. HAWKINS, THOMAS R. Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 6th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Philadelphia, Pa. Birth: Cincinnati, Ohio. Date of issue: 8 February 1870. Citation: Rescue of regimental colors. HILTON, ALFRED B. Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 4th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date. At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Harford County, Md. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: When the regimental color bearer fell, this soldier seized the color and carried it forward, together with the national standard, until disabled at the enemy's inner line. HOLLAND, MILTON MURRY Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 5th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Athens, Ohio. Born: 1844, Austin, Tex. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Took command of Company C, after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it. JAMES, MILES Rank and organization: Corporal, Company B, 36th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 30 September 1864. Entered service at: Norfolk, Va. Birth: Princess Anne County, Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded and discharged his piece with one hand and urged his men forward; this within 30 yards of the enemy's works. KELLY, ALEXANDER Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company F, 6th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth. Pennsylvania. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger. LAWSON, JOHN Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, Pennsylvania. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Wounded in the leg and thrown violently against the side of the ship when an enemy shell killed or wounded the 6-man crew as the shell whipped on the berth deck, Lawson, upon regaining his composure, promptly returned to his station and, although urged to go below for treatment, steadfastly continued his duties throughout the remainder of the action. MIFFLIN, JAMES Rank and organization: Engineer's Cook, U.S. Navy. Born: 1839, Richmond, Va. Accredited to: Virginia. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864. Stationed in the immediate vicinity of the shell whips which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells, Mifflin remained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan. PLEASE, JOACHIM Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: Long Island, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864. Citation: Served as seaman on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire. PINN, ROBET Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company I, 5th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Massillon, Ohio. Born: 1 March 1843, Stark County, Ohio. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Took command of his company after all the officers had been killed or wounded and gallantly led it in battle. SMITH, ANDREW JACKSON For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, of Clinton, Illinois, a member of the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, distinguished himself on 30 November 1864 by saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during a bloody charge called the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina. In the late afternoon, as the 55th Regiment pursued enemy skirmishers and conducted a running fight, they ran into a swampy area backed by a rise where the Confederate Army awaited. The surrounding woods and thick underbrush impeded infantry movement and artillery support. The 55th and 54th regiments formed columns to advance on the enemy position in a flanking movement. As the Confederates repelled other units, the 55th and 54th regiments continued to move into flanking positions. Forced into a narrow gorge crossing a swamp in the face of the enemy position, the 55th's Color-Sergeant was killed by an exploding shell, and Corporal Smith took the Regimental Colors from his hand and carried them through heavy grape and canister fire. Although half of the officers and a third of the enlisted men engaged in the fight were killed or wounded, Corporal Smith continued to expose himself to enemy fire by carrying the colors throughout the battle. Through his actions, the Regimental Colors of the 55th Infantry Regiment were not lost to the enemy. Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith's extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, the 55th Regiment, and the United States Army. RATLIFF, EDWARD Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company C, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: James County, Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation. Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed; was the first enlisted man to enter the enemy's works. VEAL, CHARLES Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 4th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864. Entered service at: Portsmouth, Va. Birth: Portsmouth Va. Date of issue: 6 April 1865. Citation: Seized the national colors after 2 color bearers had been shot down close to the enemy's works, and bore them through the remainder of the battle.
A Brave Black Regiment
by: Luis F. Emilio, Louis F. Emilio
The History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1863-1865
Bantam's Eyewitness to the Civil War series continues with this basis for the film Glory. They were the 54th Massachusetts, the first black regiment raised in the North, and Luis Emilio was their idealistic young captain. Emilio chronicles the group's participation in the Civil War.
If you are a fan of history, and the civil war, you will love this book. It is the story of the 54th Mass. (the first official Black Regiment during the civil war) with Col. Robert G. Shaw in command. It is written by one of the Captains that actually served with the 54th, so it explains a lot of detail a normal historian could never find out.
A Grand Army of Black Men
by: Edwin S. Redkey (Editor)
Letters from African-American Soldiers in the Union Army, 1861-1865
(Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture)
A vivid picture of the Civil War as seen by black soldiers. The 176 letters in this collection were written by black soldiers to black and abolitionist newspapers. These letters give an extraordinary picture of the war and also reveal the bright expectations, hope, and ultimately the demands that black soldiers had for the future--for themselves and their race. (Cambridge Univ. Press)
54th Massachusetts
Realistic portrayal of the struggles the 54th Massachusetts.
See Also BuffaloSoldiers.com
Colored Troops in the Civil War
Approximately 180,000 African Americans comprising 163 units served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and many more African Americans served in the Union Navy. Both free Africans Americans and runaway slaves joined the fight. On July 17, 1862, Congress passed two acts allowing the enlistment of African Americans, but official enrollment occurred only after the September, 1862 issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. In general, white soldiers and officers believed that black men lacked the courage to fight and fight well. In October, 1862, African American soldiers of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers silenced their critics by repulsing attacking Confederates at the battle of Island Mound, Missouri. By August, 1863, 14 Negro Regiments were in the field and ready for service. At the battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana, May 27, 1863, the African American soldiers bravely advanced over open ground in the face of deadly artillery fire. Although the attack failed, the black solders proved their capability to withstand the heat of battle.
On July 17, 1863, at Honey Springs, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, the 1st Kansas Colored fought with courage again. Union troops under General James Blunt ran into a strong Confederate force under General Douglas Cooper. After a two-hour bloody engagement, Cooper's soldiers retreated. The 1st Kansas, which had held the center of the Union line, advanced to within fifty paces of the Confederate line and exchanged fire for some twenty minutes until the Confederates broke and ran. General Blunt wrote after the battle, "I never saw such fighting as was done by the Negro regiment....The question that negroes will fight is settled; besides they make better solders in every respect than any troops I have ever had under my command."
The most widely known battle fought by African Americans was the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, by the 54th Massachusetts on July 18, 1863. The 54th volunteered to lead the assault on the strongly-fortified Confederate positions. The soldiers of the 54th scaled the fort's parapet, and were only driven back after brutal hand-to-hand combat.
Although black soldiers proved themselves as reputable soldiers, discrimination in pay and other areas remained widespread. According to the Militia Act of 1862, soldiers of African descent were to receive $10.00 a month, plus a clothing allowance of $3.50. Many regiments struggled for equal pay, some refusing any money until June 15, 1864, when Congress granted equal pay for all black soldiers.
African American soldiers participated in every major campaign of 1864-1865 except Sherman's invasion of Georgia. The year 1864 was especially eventful for African American troops. On April 12, 1864, at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest led his 2,500 men against the Union-held fortification, occupied by 292 black and 285 white soldiers. After driving in the Union pickets and giving the garrison an opportunity to surrender, Forrest's men swarmed into the fort with little difficulty and drove the Federals down the river's bluff into a deadly crossfire. Casualties were high and only sixty-two of the U.S. Colored Troops survived the fight. Many accused the Confederates of perpetuating a massacre of black troops, and the controversy continues today. The battle cry for the Negro soldier east of the Mississippi River became "Remember Fort Pillow!"
The Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia (Chaffin's Farm) became one of the most heroic engagements involving African Americans. On September 29, 1864, the African American division of the Eighteenth Corps, after being pinned down by Confederate artillery fire for about 30 minutes, charged the earthworks and rushed up the slopes of the heights. During the hour-long engagement the division suffered tremendous casualties. Of the sixteen African Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, fourteen received the honor as a result of their actions at New Market Heights.
In January, 1864, General Patrick Cleburne and several other Confederate officers in the Army of the Tennessee proposed using slaves as soldiers since the Union was using black troops. Cleburne recommended offering slaves their freedom if they fought and survived. Confederate President Jefferson Davis refused to consider Cleburne's proposal and forbade further discussion of the idea. The concept, however, did not die. By the fall of 1864, the South was losing more and more ground, and some believed that only by arming the slaves could defeat be averted. On March 13, the Confederate Congress passed General Order 14, and President Davis signed the order into law. The order was issued March 23, 1865, but only a few African American companies were raised, and the war ended before they could be used in battle.
In actual numbers, African American soldiers comprised 10% of the entire Union Army. losses among African Americans were high, and from all reported casualties, approximately one-third of all African Americans enrolled in the military lost their lives during the Civil War.
USCT
Aaron Anderson - Landsman, U.S.S. Wyandank. Mattox Creek, Mar 17, 1865. Rendered gallant assistance, loading howitzer while lying on his back, and then firing with such care and precision as to kill and wound many of the rebel party.
William H. Barnes - Private co. "C" 38th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 29, 1864. Among the first to enter the enemys works, though wounded.
Powhattan Beatty - First Sergeant co. G 5th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept, 29, 1864. Took command of Co. G, after all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.
Robert Blake - Contraband U.S.S. Marblehead, in engagement with the rebel batteries on Stone River, Dec 25, 1862, serving as a powder boy, displayed extraordinary courage, alacrity and intelligence in the discharge of his duty under trying circumstances and merited the admiration of all.
James E. Bronson - First Sergeant co. D 5th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept. 29, 1864. Took command of his company, after all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.
William Harvey Carney - Sergeant co. "C" 54th Mass. Enl. Volunteers, Fort Wagner, SC, July 18, 1863. When color-sergeant fell, threw away his rifle, seized the colors and led the assault. Planted the colors on the parapet and kept them flying there for half an hour. Retreated under a storm of shot and shell, being three times wounded, but refused to be sent to hospital or to surrender the flag, until it could be placed in the hands of the survivors of his own regiment, and when they cheered him in doing so, simple replied: "Boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground."
Clement Dees - Seaman on the Pontoosuc. Cape Fear River, NC, Dec 24, 1864. Personal valor.
Decatur Dorsey - Sergeant co. "B" 39th USCT. Petersburg, VA (mine explosion). Bravery while acting as Regimental Color-Sergeant.
Christian A. Fleetwood - Sergeant Major, 4th USCT. Chapins Farm, Virginia, Sept. 29, 1864. "Seized the colors after two color-bearers had been shot down and bore them nobly through the fight."
James Gardiner - Private co "I" 36th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 29, 1864. Rushed in advance of his brigade, shot a rebel officer who was on the parapet, and then ran him through with his bayonet.
James H. Harris - Sergeant co. "B" 38th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 29, 1864. Gallantry in the assault.
Thomas R. Hawkins - Sergeant Major 6th USCT, Deep Bottom, VA, July 21, 1864. Rescued the regimental colors.
Alfred B. Hilton - Sergeant, co. H, 4th USCT (Regimental Color-Sergeant) Chapins Farm, VA, Sept. 29, 1864. "In the charge when his associate sergeant was killed, caught up his flag also, and carried both until himself shot down, when he held up the flags and shouted: "Boys, save the colors!"
Milton M. Holland - Sergeant co. C 5th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 29, 1864. Took command of co. C after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.
Miles James - Corporal co. "B" 36th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 30, 1864. Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded and discharged his piece with one hand and urged his men forward, this within thirty yards of the enemys works.
Alexander Kelly - First Sergeant co. "F" 6th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept. 29, 1864. Gallantly seized the colors which had fallen near the enemys line of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of great danger.
John H. Lawson - Landsman U.S.S. Hartford. Mobile Bay, Aug 5, 1864. Was one of the six men stationed at the shell whip on the berth deck. A shell killed or wounded the whole number. Lawson was wounded in the leg and thrown with great violence against the side of the ship, but as soon as he recovered himself, although begged to go below, he refused and went back to the shell whip, where he remained during the action.
Joachim Pease - Seaman, The Kearsage, in action with Alabama off Cherbourg, France, June 19, 1864. For marked coolness and good conduct during the engagement.
Robert A. Pinn - First Sergeant co. "I" 5th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept. 29, 1864. Took command of co. "I", after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it in battle.
Edward Ratcliffe - First Sergeant co. "C" 38th USCT. Chapins Farm, VA, Sept 29, 1864. Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed. Was the first enlisted man to enter the enemys works.
Charles Veal - Corporal co. "D" 4th USCT (Regimental Color Guard) Chapins Farm, VA, Sept. 29, 1864. Seized the regimental colors after two color-bearers had been shot down, close to the enemys works, and bore them through the remainder of the battle.
Post Civil War: Those Who Followed
Daniel Atkins - Ships cook (first-class) Torpedo Boat Cushing. Feb 11, 1898. Saved from drowning Lieut. Joseph C Breckenbridge.
Dennis Bell - Private Troop "H" 10th U.S. Cavalry. Tayabacos, Cuba, June 30, 1898. After a force had succeeded in landing and had been compelled to withdraw to the boats, leaving a number of killed and wounded ashore, he voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades, who would otherwise have fallen into the hands of the enemy; this after several attempts had been frustrated.
Thomas Boyne - Sergeant Troop "C" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Mimbus Mountain, NM, May 29, 1879. Cuchillo Negro, NM, Sept 27, 1879. Bravery in action.
Benjamin Brown - Sergeant co. "C" 24th U.S. Infantry. Arizona, May 11, 1898. Although shot in the abdomen in a fight between a paymasters escort and robbers, did not leave the field until again wounded in both arms.
John Denny - Sergeant Troop 9th U.S. Cavalry. Los Animas Canyon, NM, Sept 18, 1879. Removed a wounded comrade under a heavy fire to a place of safety.
Clinton Greaves - Corporal Troop "C" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Florida Mountains, NM, Jan 24, 1877. Gallantry in a hand-to-hand fight.
Henry Johnson - Sergeant Troop "D" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Milk River, CO, Oct 2, 1879. Voluntarily left fortified shelter and under heavy fire at close range made the rounds of the pits, to instruct the guards. Fought his way to the creek and back to bring water to the wounded.
George Jordan - Sergeant Troop "K" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Carrizozo Canyon, NM, Aug 12, 1881. While commanding the right of a detachment of nineteen men, stubbornly held his ground in an extremely exposed position and gallantly forced back a much superior number of the enemy, preventing them from surrounding the command.
Fritz Lee - Private Troop "M" 10th U.S. Cavalry. Tayabacoa, Cuba, June 30, 1898. After a force had succeeded in landing and had been compelled to withdraw to the boats, leaving a number of killed and wounded ashore, he voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades, who would otherwise have fallen into the hands of the enemy; this after several attempts had been frustrated.
Isaiah Mays - Corporal co. "B" 24th U.S. Infantry. Arizona, May 11, 1898. Gallantry in fight between Paymaster Whams escort, and robbers.
William McBryan - Sergeant Troop "K" 10th U.S. Cavalry. Arizona, Mar 7, 1890. Bravery in action with Apache Indians.
Joseph B. Neil - Seaman, U.S.S. Powhatan. Norfolk, VA, Dec 26, 1873. Saved Boatswain J.G. Walton from drowning.
Robert Penn - Fireman (first-class) the Iowa. Guantanamo, Cuba. He hauled the fires of two boilers while standing on a board thrown across a coal bucket above one foot of boiling water, and while the water was still blowing from the boiler under 120 pounds pressure.
Thomas Shaw - Sergeant Troop "K" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Carrizozo Canyon, NM, Aug 12, 1881. Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position, and prevented the superior numbers from surrounding his command.
Emanuel Stance - Sergeant Troop "F" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Kickapoo Springs, TX, Many 20, 1870. Gallantry on scout after Indians.
William H. Thompkins - Private Troop "M" 10th U.S. Cavalry. Tayabacoa, Cuba, June 30, 1898. After a force had succeeded in landing and had been compelled to withdraw to the boats, leaving a number of killed and wounded ashore, he voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades, who would otherwise have fallen into the hands of the enemy; this after several attempts had been frustrated.
Augustus Walley - Private Troop "I" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Cuchillo Negro Mountains, NM, Aug 16, 1881. Bravery in action with hostile Apaches.
George Wanton - Private Troop "M" 10th U.S. Cavalry. Tayabacoa, Cuba, June 30, 1898. After a force had succeeded in landing and had been compelled to withdraw to the boats, leaving a number of killed and wounded ashore, he voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades, who would otherwise have fallen into the hands of the enemy; this after several attempts had been frustrated.
Moses Williams - First Sergeant Troop "I" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Foot Hills of the Cuchillo Negro Mountains, NM, Aug 16, 1881. Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running fight of three or four hours, and by his coolness, bravery and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer, in an exposed position, under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians, saved the lives of at least three of his comrades.
William O. Wilson - Corporal Troop "I" 9th U.S. Cavalry. Sioux Campaign, 1890. Bravery.
Brent Wood - Sergeant Troop "B" 9th U.S. Cavalry. NM, Aug 19, 1881. Saved the lives of his comrades, and the citizens of the detachment.
|
|
|
|
|
Articles & Briefings
