Veteran of The Day – 4-22-26

Sgt. William H. Carney

U.S. Army — Civil War
February 29, 1840 – December 9, 1908
Hometown: New Bedford, Massachusetts

William H. Carney

A Soldier of the 54th Massachusetts

Sergeant William H. Carney served with the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units organized in the Union Army during the Civil War.

At a time when service came with both danger and discrimination, Carney stood ready to fight for a nation still defining its ideals.

The Assault on Fort Wagner

On July 18, 1863, during the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, the 54th Massachusetts led a direct attack against heavily fortified Confederate positions.

The fighting was intense.

The cost was high.

When the unit’s color bearer was struck down, the American flag began to fall.

Carney moved.

The Flag Never Fell

He seized the flag before it could touch the ground
Carried it forward under heavy enemy fire
Was wounded multiple times during the advance
Refused to let the flag fall—even as he struggled to survive

Despite his injuries, he brought the flag safely back to Union lines.

A Moment That Endured

For his actions, Sgt. Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first African American to receive the nation’s highest military decoration.

His words would live on in history:

“Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground.”

Decorations & Honors

Medal of Honor

(Awarded for actions on July 18, 1863.)

Final Resting Place

Sgt. William H. Carney rests with honor at Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Reflection

When the flag began to fall… one soldier refused to let it touch the ground.

Sgt. Carney carried more than a flag that day.

He carried the meaning of it.

mickyspano.com and The Micky Spano Show proudly honor Sergeant William H. Carney, United States Army, as Veteran of the Day for April 22, 2026, remembering his courage, his sacrifice, and the legacy he carried forward.

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