USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -William Carney: The first African-American Medal of Honor recipient. Of the 3, 498 service members who have received the Medal of Honor throughout U.S. history, only 88 have been black.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sergeant William Carney was the First African American Congressional medal of Honor Recipient in the U.S. Army.

Detailed explanation-3: -On May 9, 1900, the War Department bestowed the Medal of Honor on Carney for his gallant service at Fort Wagner during the Civil War. His actions during the battle was the first known action by an African American serviceman that led to a Medal of Honor.

Detailed explanation-4: -The flag flew in honor and remembrance of the life of Sergeant William Harvey Carney of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. This day marked one of the first times in Massachusetts history that the honor had been given to an African American man. Born to William Carney Sr.

Detailed explanation-5: -So it’s fitting to start with the very first recipient to ever receive the medal: Army Pvt. Jacob Parrott. Parrott was born on July 17, 1843, in Fairfield County, Ohio. He enlisted in the Army as part of Company K, 33rd Ohio Voluntary Infantry, during the Civil War.