Each February, Black History Month provides a vital opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation’s history. Among these contributions are the powerful legacies of African American Medal of Honor recipients, heroes whose acts of courage, sacrifice, and valor are emblematic of the highest ideals of the United States. As a teacher, you have the privilege and responsibility to bring these stories to your students, enriching their understanding of history, honor, and perseverance. The Medal of Honor represents the highest award for bravery in action against an enemy force, and many of the recipients are African American service members who displayed exceptional courage in the face of tremendous adversity. 

Their stories are not only essential to understanding our nation’s history but also serve as an enduring source of inspiration for young people of all backgrounds. Still, finding engaging material to inspire your class and develop crucial character in them is easier said than done. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) proudly offers free Black History Month resources for educators like you to forge the leaders and heroes our country needs. 

The Importance of Sharing Their Legacies

The bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice demonstrated by Black Medal of Honor recipients in pivotal moments of American history serve as timeless examples of the extraordinary strength and resilience that have shaped the ongoing struggle for equality. 

This Black History Month, educators have a powerful opportunity to bring these heroes into the classroom, using Black History Month resources for educators to highlight stories of valor and conviction that transcend generations.

By sharing the legacies of these courageous men and women, we do more than honor their deeds—we ignite a spark in our students, encouraging them to embody the same resilience, integrity, and sense of duty. 

These Medal of Honor recipients stood at the crossroads of adversity and greatness, overcoming unimaginable challenges to serve their country with distinction. 

In doing so, they not only broke barriers but also laid the groundwork for future generations to fight for justice, equality, and the very ideals of freedom. 

This Black History Month, let us ensure their stories are not only remembered, but revered, so that we can inspire students to rise above obstacles and contribute to a world where honor, respect, and service to others are the foundation of our collective future. 

By elevating these legacies, we empower the leaders of tomorrow to carry forward the torch of courage, conviction, and compassion that these heroes ignited, shaping a future where the ideals embodied by these extraordinary individuals will continue to guide, uplift, and inspire for generations to come.

Inspiring the Next Generation with Free Black History Month Resources for Educators

When students learn about the Black Medal of Honor recipients, they gain much more than a lesson in military history. They discover the ideals of selflessness, sacrifice, and service that are crucial to understanding what it means to contribute to society in meaningful ways. 

These stories help students see that they, too, can rise to the occasion and make a difference in their own communities, regardless of the barriers and challenges they face, through free lessons, materials, and resources that are dynamic, interactive, and sure to resonate with your students.

Highlighting these heroes, particularly during Black History Month, allows educators to provide students with not only a historical perspective but also a framework for living a life of honor, perseverance, leadership, integrity, and justice. 

The example set by these Medal of Honor recipients encourages students to believe in their own potential and recognize the importance of standing firm in their values, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

African American Medal of Honor Recipients

Below is a list of African American Medal of Honor recipients who demonstrated extraordinary courage and service to their country. These heroes’ stories serve as lasting reminders of the power of sacrifice, valor, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Here are just a few of their stories:

1. William H. Carney (Civil War), Sergeant, displayed extraordinary courage at the Battle of Fort Wagner, South Carolina. Despite being severely wounded, he carried the American flag for the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, ensuring it remained aloft and unbroken during the assault. As the battle raged, Carney was shot multiple times but continued to hold the flag high, symbolizing unwavering patriotism and commitment in action. His bravery not only inspired his comrades but also solidified his place in history as the first African American Medal of Honor recipient.
2. Vernon Baker (World War II), First Lieutenant, displayed extraordinary heroism during an assault on the German stronghold, Castle Aghinolfi. Leading a weapons platoon, he single-handedly eliminated enemy positions, killing nine soldiers and destroying multiple machine gun nests, an observation post, and a dugout. Despite heavy casualties among his men, he volunteered to cover the withdrawal of the wounded and continued fighting, destroying two additional machine gun positions. His courage, leadership, integrity, and relentless determination exemplified the highest traditions of service and inspired his comrades.
3. Henry Johnson (World War I), Private, demonstrated extraordinary heroism and courage in the face of prejudice while serving with Company C, 369th Infantry Regiment, during a German raid on the Western Front in France. Despite being severely wounded, he fought back fiercely against a German raiding party, killing several enemies and rescuing a fellow soldier. Exposing himself to great danger, he engaged two enemy captors in hand-to-hand combat, defeating them and preventing the capture of his comrades. His bravery and selflessness ensured the safety of the outpost and provided valuable intelligence, embodying the highest traditions of military service.
4. Charles Robert Johnson (Korean War), Private First Class, displayed remarkable heroism while defending Outpost Harry in Korea during a massive Chinese assault. Despite being wounded by artillery and grenades, he continued to aid his injured comrades, dragging one to safety and fighting off enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat. Realizing the perilous situation, he voluntarily placed himself between the enemy and his fellow soldiers, holding them off to save lives. His selfless actions saved at least ten men and exemplify the highest traditions of military service and courage.
5. James Anderson Jr. (Vietnam War), Private First Class, demonstrated exceptional courage on a mission in the dense jungle northwest of Cam Lo. When his platoon was ambushed by intense enemy fire, he and his comrades fought back, but a grenade landed near him. Without hesitation, Anderson threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the blast to protect his fellow Marines. His self-sacrifice saved the lives of his comrades, and he gave his own life in the process. His extraordinary bravery and selflessness reflect the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
6. Alwyn Crendall Cashe (War on Terrorism), Sergeant First Class, displayed extraordinary heroism in Iraq when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked and set ablaze by enemy fire and an IED. Despite suffering severe burns, he extracted the driver and four other soldiers from the burning vehicle, returning to rescue two more soldiers trapped inside. Ignoring his own pain, he continued to aid his comrades and ensured they received medical care, refusing evacuation until all others were evacuated first. His selflessness, unwavering courage, and unbelievable sacrifice went above and beyond the call of duty, reflecting the highest military traditions.

For a complete list of African American Medal of Honor recipients, including citations for each, view our page that features a list of the 96 African American Recipients. These citations provide valuable teaching material to highlight the exceptional contributions and sacrifices of each hero.

A Call to Educators: Incorporating Heroism into Your Classroom

For those looking to integrate the inspiring stories of African American Medal of Honor recipients into their classrooms, there are even more invaluable Black History Month resources for educators available. To further enrich your lessons with free, ready-made, and teacher-vetted material you can easily adapt to your curriculum, we recommend these additional resources:

1. Breaking Barriers: A Free Lesson About African American Soldiers in the Civil War – This lesson highlights the groundbreaking service of African American soldiers during the Civil War and their pivotal role in the history of the Medal of Honor.
2. Teaching Students to Appreciate Diversity in the Classroom with a Free Lesson – This blog provides strategies for fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusion, as well as a free lesson, using the stories of Medal of Honor recipients as a key part of the curriculum.

Continuing the Legacy with Free Black History Month Resources for Educators

The bravery and sacrifice of Black Medal of Honor recipients are central to both American history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. This Black History Month, it’s essential to utilize Black History Month resources for educators to inspire students with these powerful stories of courage, service, and integrity. Sharing their legacies not only honors their sacrifices but also empowers the next generation of heroes and leaders by teaching students about the broader struggle for justice and equality and sharing stories honoring the profound impact Black heroes have had on shaping our nation’s history. By teaching their stories, you ensure the values of honor, respect, and selfless service guide your students, inspiring them to contribute to a more just and compassionate world. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us use these powerful examples to inspire the next generation to live with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to justice. Through education, we can shape a future where their ideals remain a beacon for generations to come, passing forward the legacies of these trailblazers and ensuring their courage and selflessness amidst unthinkable circumstances continue to inspire young minds. 

Register for the Character Development Program and Path to Honor for more free lessons to use in your classroom that build character and help create a more just and equitable society.