The Ex-Slave Who Joined the Union Army and Became the 1st Black Medal of Honor Recipient

Share this story with friends

This is the story of Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who became the first Black American to have earned the Medal of Honor for protecting one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War—the American flag. Here to tell the story is the Jack Miller Centers’ Editorial Officer and historian, Elliott Drago. JackMillerCenter.org.