Essay On The 54th

The word hero is a controversial one in the sense that a hero is largely defined by the values of the culture using it. I myself define a hero as someone who is willing to sacrifice of themselves for the good of others. In some cultures, certain individuals could never be considered heroes simply because of their social status. Luckily, cultures can change, particularly if the individuals in the culture fight for that change. Sergeant William H. Carney, a member of the 54th Massachusetts regiment and the first African American to receive the medal of honor, is one of those who fought to change our culture’s values. The first African American regiment, the 54th was formed in 1863, during the civil war. It was the first time African Americans were accepted into the U.S.

They were given an unfair share of the physical labor in the army and paid three dollars less than the white soldiers. For them it was a battle on two fronts: one with the enemy soldiers and the other with their fellow countrymen; both were battles for freedom. They weren’t fighting just to preserve the Union; in fact, that they were fighting at all was a step towards changing the union forever. On July 18th, 1863, the 54th led an attack against confederate fort Wagner. The attack was poorly coordinated and the 54th stormed the fort without any initial support from the other Union regiments; as a result they suffered heavy losses. Carney came over the bulwarks of the fort just in time to see the regiment flag bearer shot down. Carney grabbed the flag before it could hit the ground and stood with his comrades fighting on in spite of overwhelming odds. When the order was finally given to retreat, Carney carried the flag all the way back to Union lines, never allowing it to touch the ground, though he himself was grievously wounded.
Carney’s heroism is inspiring. It shows loyalty not to America as it was, but rather a hope for what it could