February 25, 2022
Medal of Honor
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The Friends of Wood Memorial Library and the South Windsor Historical Society are collaborating on local history programs and this Sunday, February 27th at 2pm, Civil War reenactor Frank Niederwerfer, of South Windsor, will speak about his great uncle, Oliver Dart, who fought with Company G, 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He’ll be joined by Main Street’s Bob Starr, who’ll discuss his family’s book, “For My Grandchildren,” the Civil War Journey of Pierre Starr, Surgeon, 39th Ohio Infantry. The book details Starr’s experience as a surgeon for the Union Army during the Civil War.
We hope to see you!
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Did you know the Medal of Honor was created during the
Civil War ?
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Navy Medal of Honor, early design. Courtesy of Navy History and Heritage Command. |
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According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website, President Abraham Lincoln authorized the creation of 200 “medals of honor,” specifically for enlisted Navy personnel in December 1861 and in July 1862, he authorized 2,000 Army medals. These medals, "were to be 'presented, in the name of the Congress' to enlisted personnel who 'distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities' during the Civil War."
A total of 1,523 Medals of Honor, were awarded for service in the Civil War, more than at any other time in the military's history, 1,198 were to soldiers and 324 were to sailors or marines.
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| Army Medal of Honor, early design. Courtesy of Gettysburg National Military Park. |
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Medal of Honor Recipient
William H. Carney
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Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, was the first African American out of twenty-five to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Regimental flags still played a major role in Civil War battles. They facilitated the guidance and monitoring of troop movements during battle, and the loss or capture of a flag could lead to confusion and ultimately disaster. Flags were also a source of pride for the regiments as they were often paid for by their local communities. Therefore, colors represented special hometown significance for the soldiers and to have a flag captured often led to low morale and brought shame to the unit.
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July 18, 1863
The men of the 54th were outnumbered and outgunned as they stormed Fort Wagner which guarded the Port of Charleston (SC). After several flag bearers were shot down, Sergeant Carney retrieved the flag “pressing his wound with one hand and with the other holding up the emblem of freedom," he continued marching forward to plant "the flag upon the parapet." (National Parks Service website) Ultimately, the Union forces had to retreat. Despite being seriously wounded, Carney continued to carry the flag until he made it back to the Union lines.
Like many veterans of the Civil War, it took decades for Carney's heroic actions to be recognized, but finally in 1900, Congress awarded Sergeant Carney the Medal of Honor. Born a slave, Carney escaped servitude as a young man, and ultimately served with such valor during the Civil War that his actions were the earliest act of African American bravery to be recognized with this most prestigious medal. |
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Celebrate Black History Month
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