Carney, William Harvey
1840-1908 · Contribution: 1863-1900
Military & Safety
Became, for an 1863 act of valor, the first African American whose military service merited the Medal of Honor — though due to a 37-year delay in his award, he was not literally the first Black recipient to receive the medal
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1840-1908
- Category
- Military & Safety
Impact on the world
Carney's courage under fire at Fort Wagner became a powerful argument for the fighting capability of Black Union troops, helping open the Army to Black enlistment.
Sources
- National Museum of the United States Army
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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