Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

By: HISTORY.com Editors

1900

William Carney becomes first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor

Published: January 24, 2023Last Updated: January 31, 2025

Recognized for heroically protecting the American flag during the Civil War, Army Sgt. William Harvey Carney receives the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, on May 23, 1900.

The first Black American service member to earn the award, Carney was born into slavery in Virginia in 1840. Although a handful of other Black service members had already received the medal, Carney’s award celebrated an earlier action. He was one of many Civil War-era honorees to be granted the medal decades later.

Although he was born into slavery, Carney's family relocated to Massachusetts (reports vary on whether they were freed or escaped), and, in 1863, Carney joined the Union Army as part of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, the first Black regiment from the North to serve in the war.

"I had a strong inclination to prepare myself for the ministry; but when the country called for all persons, I could best serve my God by serving my country and my oppressed brothers,” Carney wrote in 1863. “The sequel is short—I enlisted for the war."

It was during his unit’s first major battle that Carney saw the flag bearer get hit by bullets, and rushed to catch the flag from him before it hit the ground. “Despite suffering several serious gunshot wounds himself, Carney kept the symbol of the Union held high as he crawled up the hill to the walls of Fort Wagner, urging his fellow troops to follow him,” according to the U.S. Army. “He planted the flag in the sand at the base of the fort and held it upright until his near-lifeless body was rescued.”

Carney’s injuries resulted in an honorable discharge, and he returned to Massachusetts, where he worked for the postal service and as a messenger at the Massachusetts State House.

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on May 23rd

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Related Articles

Black inventors changed the way we live through their many innovations, from the traffic light to the ironing board.

American poet and author Maya Angelou gestures while speaking in a chair during an interview at her home on April 8, 1978.

The poet and author of 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' constantly tackled new roles, including streetcar conductor, dancer and journalist.

African American cotton pickers in Florida, 1879

The black codes effectively continued enslavement for African Americans by restricting their rights and exploiting their labor.

roots, alex haley

Forty years after the premiere of “Roots” captivated the nation, take a look back at the cultural phenomenon and its lasting legacy.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
William Carney becomes first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
September 10, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
January 31, 2025
Original Published Date
January 24, 2023

History Every Day

Sign Up for This Day in History

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
Flower