William Harvey Carney | |
|---|---|
 Carney, wearing the Medal of Honor he received in 1900. | |
| Born | February 29, 1840 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | December 9, 1908 (aged 68) New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Service | U.S. Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1863–1864 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit |  54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William Harvey Carney (February 29, 1840 – December 9, 1908) was an American soldier during the American Civil War. Born enslaved, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his gallantry in saving the regimental colors during the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. The action for which he received the Medal of Honor preceded that of any other African American Medal of Honor recipient; however, his medal was actually one of the last to be awarded for Civil War service.[1] Some African Americans received the Medal of Honor as early as April 1865.[2]
- ^ Henig, Gerald S. (June 2009). Glory at Battery Wagner: William H. Carney became the First Black Soldier to earn the Medal of Honor. Civil War Times. pp. 48 (3): 36–39.
- ^ "Milton M. Holland". Medal of Honor Recipients (U.S. Army). 2019.