William H. Carney 1940-1908

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William Harvey Carney was born into slavery on February 29th, 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia. How and when he escaped to his freedom is unknown, but according to many accounts he utilized the Underground Railroad and joined his father in Massachusetts. 

It was in Massachusetts that he eventually signed up to join the war effort in 1863, after President Lincoln signed a degree allowing African-Americans to serve in the Union Army. The regiment Carney joined was no less than the famous 54th Massachusetts. On July 18, 1863, the soldiers of Carney's regiment led the charge on Fort Wagner. During the battle, the unit's color guard was shot. Carney, who was just a few feet away, saw the dying man stumble, and scrambled to catch the falling flag. Despite being grievously injured himself, Carney kept the flag held high as he crawled up the hill to the walls of Fort Wagner, inspiring his fellow troops to follow him. He planted the flag at the base of the fort and held it upright until he was rescued. Even then he didn't give it up. Witnesses remarked that Carney refused to give the flag to his rescuers, holding onto it until he made it to the Union's temporary barracks. For his bravery, Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900.