Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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U.S. Civil War - U.S. Army

William Harvey Carney

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company C,
    54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 18, 1863
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Fort Wagner, South Carolina, USA
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.

Medal of Honor Recipient William H. Carney
Medal of Honor Recipient William H. Carney
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 23, 1900
  • Born: February 29, 1840, Norfolk, Norfolk County, VA, United States
  • Died: December 9, 1908, New Bedford, MA, United States
  • Buried: Oak Grove Cemetery (MH) (LL-78), New Bedford, MA, United States
 
Videos

Brothers In Valor: Melvin Morris. Courtesy of American Battlefield Trust.

Brothers In Valor: Melvin Morris. Courtesy of American Battlefield Trust.

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