3. Early Life
• Born March 28 1842
• He was born in Virginia
• Escaped to Massachusetts through the
underground railroad
• Bought his family out of slavery by being a
sailor
4. • Part of the 54th
Volunteer Massachusetts
Infantry
• He trained for several months before going
into battle
• Carney reported to Hilton Head,South
Carolina in early 1863
• The 54th
faced their first real battle July 18th
1863 on Fort Wagner, Georgia
Military Life
5. The 54th
Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry
The 54th
was one of the first black regiments in
the united states army. The 54th
was a
volunteer regiment, they received no pay,
and many lost there lives fighting for there
freedom.
6.
7. Legacy
To this day William Carney is still
recognized. There is a public high school
named after him and his great
accomplishments. It is located in New
Bedford, Massachusetts, where he served in
the army.
8. Medal of Honor
The medal of honor is considered to be the
best award available in the us army for
combat against the enemy. The medal has
been awarded for over 140 years. To
receive the medal you must perform and
extraordinary task.
9. Fort Wagner, Georgia
The fort was heavily guarded, but still the
order was to move on. Carney fought
valiantly to make it to the base. Carney was
running when he saw the flag holder drop to
the ground after being shot. Carney dropped
his gun and ran full speed to catch the flag
before it hit the ground.
10.
11. “Boys I only did my duty, but the old flag
never touched the ground”
Carney fought to keep moving, assisted by other
members of his regiment he advanced onward
towards the base. Even though shot in the left leg
he held onto the flag and kept moving. He passed
all of the bases defense and made it into the fort.
He planted the flag on the parapet.
12. The Road Home
Carney struggling for life laid atop a bunker
holding the American flag high. He
watched as southern soldiers advanced on
him. Realizing he had no protection he
turned and ran back towards his home base.
While running back he was shot a few more
times in his left hand, twice in the chest,
and his already shot left leg. He made it
back to the base and was taken to the
hospital.
13. After the War
• A few months after the
war Carney was
discharged from the
army.
• Carney decided to
move back to new
Bedford
Massachusetts where
he spent next several
years as a mail carrier.
• After retiring from
being a mail carrier he
worked as a messenger
at the state house.
14. Civil War
Fact
More than half the
accomplishments in
the civil war were not
recognized until 20 or
more years after the
war.
15. First African American.First African American.
More the 37 years later, William CarneyMore the 37 years later, William Carney
became the first African American tobecame the first African American to
receive the congressional medal of honor.receive the congressional medal of honor.
Even though by the time he was awardedEven though by the time he was awarded
his medal several other black Americanshis medal several other black Americans
had received similar awards, Carney ishad received similar awards, Carney is
credited as being the first to earn thecredited as being the first to earn the
medal of honor.medal of honor.
16. Carneys DemiseCarneys Demise
William Carney died in 1908 at his newWilliam Carney died in 1908 at his new
Bedford home in Massachusetts.Bedford home in Massachusetts.
He’s still a very well recognized War HeroHe’s still a very well recognized War Hero
in the United States Armyin the United States Army
He may be gone but he will never beHe may be gone but he will never be
forgottenforgotten
