The African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial is a monument dedicated to
African-American recipients of the
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. ...
since 1861.
History
The sculpture on top of the monument was created by Charles Parks. It depicts
Sgt. William Harvey Carney, who was the first African-American to receive the distinction, for his gallantry in saving the regimental colors (American Flag) during the
Battle of Fort Wagner
The Second Battle of Fort Wagner, also known as the Second Assault on Morris Island or the Battle of Fort Wagner, Morris Island, was fought on July 18, 1863, during the American Civil War. Union Army troops commanded by Brig. Gen. Quincy Gillm ...
in 1863, and
Private Milton L. Olive, who was the first black recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War, when he sacrificed himself, age 18, by smothering a live grenade.As of 2020, there have been more than 3,500 military service members that have earned themselves th
Medal of Honor Of those 3,500 recipients, only 92 have been African-American men. The Medal of Honor has been an award that is able to be dated back to the civil war. Only major acts of heroism are recognized by the Medal of Honor award.
Location
The monument, erected and dedicated in 1998 by the African American Medal of Honor Association, Inc., is located on the intersection of 18th Street and Baynard Boulevard on 18th Street in Brandywine/Todd Memorial Park in
Wilmington, Delaware.
References
External links
African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorialon the Historical Marker Database
African-American military monuments and memorials
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