The first formal African American military unit,…

July 1863 CE

The first formal African American military unit, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, unsuccessfully assaults Confederate-held Fort Wagner on July 18, but their valiant fighting proves the worth of African American soldiers to the Union during the war.

Their commander, Colonel Robert Shaw, is shot leading the attack, and is buried with his men (four hundred and fifty Union, together with one hundred and seventy-five Confederate).

Locations
Morris Island South Carolina United States View →

Groups
Massachusetts, Commonwealth of (U.S.A.) View → South Carolina, State of (U.S.A.) View → United States of America (US, USA) (Washington DC) View →

Topics
American Civil War (War between the States, War of the Rebellion, War of Secession, War for Southern Independence) View → Lower Seaboard Theater of the American Civil War View → Fort Wagner, Second Battle of View →

Subjects
Conflict View → Mayhem View →

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