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"I can best serve my God by serving my country and my opressed brothers" - William Harvey Carney letter to his "liberator" (legal term during slavery).
Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in March 1863 as a Sergeant. He took part in the July 18, 1863, assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina. (The attack on Fort Wagner is depicted in the film Glory.) It was in this attack that Carney's actions ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor. When the color guard was fatally wounded, Carney retrieved the American flag from his comrade and marched forward with it, despite suffering multiple serious wounds. When the Union troops were forced to retreat under fire, Carney struggled back across the battlefield. He eventually made his way back to his own lines and turned over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, modestly saying, "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!". Carney received an honorable discharge due to disability (as a result of his wounds) in June 1864.
Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in March 1863 as a Sergeant. He took part in the July 18, 1863, assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina. (The attack on Fort Wagner is depicted in the film Glory.) It was in this attack that Carney's actions ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor. When the color guard was fatally wounded, Carney retrieved the American flag from his comrade and marched forward with it, despite suffering multiple serious wounds. When the Union troops were forced to retreat under fire, Carney struggled back across the battlefield. He eventually made his way back to his own lines and turned over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, modestly saying, "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!". Carney received an honorable discharge due to disability (as a result of his wounds) in June 1864.
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Posted 7 y ago
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That is a great recap of the bravery of Sergeant William H. Carney and the event that lead to His earning of the Medal of Honor. Thank You for that great posting. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was featured on the movie "Glory" which included the attack on Fort Wagoner. My salute to this great Hero, Sergeant Carney !
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Thank you SGT. Oliver for the great history share on William Harvey Carney, a Civil War hero.
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