Sgt. William H. Carney was the first African American to be
awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military
decoration, on this day in history, May 23, 1900, for his
efforts at protecting the American flag during the Civil War. 
History.com.

Born as a slave in February of 1840, William Carney’s father
managed to escape and make his way north via the
Underground Railroad, ultimately earning the funds to
purchase his wife and son’s freedom.