Christian Fleetwood (1840–1914) was an African-American
non-commissioned officer who enlisted in the
Union Army in 1863, during the
American Civil War. He was given the rank of
sergeant upon enlistment, and was later promoted to
sergeant major. The following year, his unit, the
4th United States Colored Infantry Regiment, took part in the
Battle of Chaffin's Farm, suffering heavy casualties. When the flag-bearer was wounded, Fleetwood, along with private
Charles Veale, each grabbed a flag before the
colors could touch the ground, and continued through heavy enemy fire. For their actions during the battle, each man received the
Medal of Honor. After the war, he worked as a bookkeeper and served in the
District of Columbia National Guard.
Photograph credit: unknown; restored by Adam Cuerden