African American Medal of Honor Recipients

Their brave service beyond the call of duty helped to propel the Union to victory during this bloody conflict. Each of the 26 African American Medal of Honor recipients performed heroic deeds as they fought to free the rest of their people still held in bondage. Black sailors, like Ordinary Seaman Joachim Pease, proved his mettle when serving as a loader on the USS Hartford’s gun No. 2 during the Battle of Mobile Bay. He was highly lauded for his gallantry under fire, thus earning the Medal of Honor. His motivation, along with that of the others awarded the Medal of Honor distinction, helped change the course of American history.

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