CIVIL WAR
HONORING SOLDIERS FROM THE CIVIL WAR
Initially denied the right to bear arms in the first year of the Civil War, by the end of 1862 black Soldiers were fighting for the Union. Volunteer units from different states went on to serve with distinction throughout the war. President Abraham Lincoln's decision to transform the conflict from a fight to preserve the Union to a crusade to abolish slavery transformed the history of our nation and the role of the black Soldier.
Alexander Kelly
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company F, 6th U.S. Colored Troops
Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864
Citation: Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger.
POWHATAN BEATY
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Company G, 5th U.S. Colored Troops
Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., 29 September 1864
Citation: Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it.
