SGT. WILLIAM H. CARNEY MEDAL OF HONOR WAR MEMORIAL MARKER

Carney received his Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, nearly 37 years after the events at Fort Wagner (more than half of such awards from the Civil War were presented 20 or more years after the fact). Twenty African American men received the medal before him, but because his battle actions happened earlier than the others, some have incorrectly cited him as the first to receive the medal. His citation reads

When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.

In 1901, shortly after his medal was awarded, a song was published about his daring exploits: “Boys the Old Flag Never Touched the Ground”.