Sergeant William H. Carney was the first African American to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor as a result of combat duty. As a member of the 54th MA Infantry, Sgt, Carney was part of the infamous assault on Ft. Wagoner, S.C. in July of 1863. After the color bearer was killed, Carney, though wounded in the head, leg and hip, grabbed up the colors and led the attack on the fort. Sgt. Carney survived the battle, despite multiple wounds, and safely returned the colors to the regiment. |