In a salute to Black History Month: Black Americans have participated in every war in the nation’s history, fighting not just for the American ideal, but also their place in it. For many, fighting for their nation overseas was one front. The second was against racism and discrimination back home. Discrimination took many forms, from segregated units, assignment of menial jobs and lack of recognition for valor. The nation’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, has often been refused to Black service members since its creation by the Navy during the Civil War in 1862. The MoH is the nation’s original award for valor in combat as a way to build morale among Union troops. Of the 3,458 MoHs given, 40 percent were awarded during the Civil War. It was not until WW I that the military offered other awards for valor in combat, and not until WW II that the Medal of Honor could only be awarded for valor in combat with the enemy. Ninety-two MoHs have been awarded to 90 Black recipients. Twenty-six earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. The majority among the 4h U.S. Colored Infantry at the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm, Va. Six sailors were awarded the MoH in the Battle of Mobile (Ala.) Bay on Aug. 5, 1864. Navy Landsman John Henry Lawson was assigned to the flagship USS Hartford. Navy Landsman William H. Brown with USS Brooklyn. Navy Landsman Wilson Brown, USS Hartford. Navy Landsman John Henry Lawson, USS Hartford. Navy Engineer’s Cook James Mifflin, USS Brooklyn.
Navy Ordinary Seaman Robert Augustus Sweeney was awarded the MoH twice (1881-1883).
Two were awarded in WWI, and none for WWII, until Jan. 13, 1997, for it to be rectified, when seven African-American service members were awarded the medal. Two were awarded from the Korean War. Twenty-two from the Vietnam War. (Source: Task & Purpose 02/22/22) US Military heroes: Every African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor (taskandpurpose.com)
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