Faces of the 54th Featured Enlisted Members of the 54th

Item contributed by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Sergeant William H. Carney Jr. enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, and became the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during the battle at Fort Wagner. Respected around the nation, he dedicated the rest of his life to family, community, and public service.




About item:

From an album of cartes-de-visite featuring men of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, assembled by John Ritchie, the regimental quartermaster.

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