List of African-American Medal of Honor recipients facts for kids

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. Recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Because of the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.

Of the 3,525 Medals of Honor awarded as of March 2023^[update], 95 have been awarded to 94 different African-American recipients. Robert Augustus Sweeney is one of 19 men, and the only African American, to have been awarded two Medals of Honor.

A 1993 study commissioned by the United States Army investigated racial discrimination in the awarding of medals. At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to black soldiers who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review of files, the study recommended that several black Distinguished Service Cross recipients be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African-American World War II veterans; of these, only Vernon Baker was still alive. On March 18, 2014, Melvin Morris, an African American Vietnam War veteran, was awarded the Medal of Honor following a review which recommended upgrading the Distinguished Service Cross he had originally earned for action in 1969. On October 17, 2018 John Canley an African-American U.S. Marine who fought in the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War received The Medal of Honor 50 years after the heroism he displayed that earned him the Navy Cross.

19th century

American Civil War

Twenty-six African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War, including eight sailors of the Union Navy, fifteen soldiers of the United States Colored Troops, and three soldiers of other Army units. Fourteen African-American men earned the Medal for actions in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, where a division of U.S. Colored Troops saw heavy action. Another four men, all sailors, earned their Medals at the Battle of Mobile Bay. William Harvey Carney was the first African American to perform an action for which a Medal of Honor was awarded, but Robert Blake was the first to actually receive the Medal (Blake's was issued in 1864, Carney did not receive his until 1900). It was common for Civil War Medals of Honor to be awarded decades after the conflict ended; in one case, Andrew Jackson Smith's Medal was not awarded until 2001, 137 years after the action in which he earned it. Smith's wait, caused by a missing battle report, is the second longest delay of the award for any recipient and the longest delay for an African American. President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Union Army First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing for his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg in November 2014, making the 151-year delay it the longest between the action and receipt of the award.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied from the official Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Anderson, AaronAaron Anderson	Navy	E-01Landsman	USS Wyandank (1847)	Mattox Creek, Virginia	March 17, 1865	"Participating with a boat crew in the clearing of Mattox Creek, L/man Anderson carried out his duties courageously in the face of a devastating fire which cut away half the oars, pierced the launch in many places and cut the barrel off a musket being fired at the enemy."
—	Anderson, BruceBruce Anderson	Army	E-01Private	142nd New York Volunteer Infantry	Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina	January 15, 1865	"Voluntarily advanced with the head of the column and cut down the palisading."
—	Barnes, William H.William H. Barnes	Army	E-01Private	38th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Among the first to enter the enemy's works; although wounded."
	Beaty, PowhatanPowhatan Beaty	Army	E-08First Sergeant	5th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it."
	Blake, RobertRobert Blake	Navy	0Sailor	USS Marblehead (1861)	off Legareville in the Stono River, Johns Island, South Carolina	December 25, 1863	"[I]n an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind."
—	Bronson, James H.James H. Bronson	Army	E-08First Sergeant	5th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it."
—	Brown, William H.William H. Brown	Navy	E-01Landsman	USS Brooklyn (1858)	Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama	August 5, 1864	"[R]emained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan."
—	Brown, WilsonWilson Brown	Navy	E-01Landsman	USS Hartford	Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama	August 5, 1864	"Knocked unconscious into the hold of the ship when an enemy shellburst fatally wounded a man on the ladder above him, Brown, upon regaining consciousness, promptly returned to the shell whip on the berth deck and zealously continued to perform his duties although 4 of the 6 men at this station had been either killed or wounded by the enemy's terrific fire."
	Carney, William HarveyWilliam Harvey Carney	Army	E-05Sergeant	54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry	Battle of Fort Wagner, Morris Island, South Carolina	July 18, 1863	"[G]rasped 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."
—	Dorsey, DecaturDecatur Dorsey	Army	E-04Corporal	39th United States Colored Infantry Regiment	Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia	July 30, 1864	"Planted his colors on the Confederate works in advance of his regiment, and when the regiment was driven back to the Union works he carried the colors there and bravely rallied the men."
—	English, ThomasThomas English	Navy	Signal Quartermaster	USS New Ironsides	Aboard USS New Ironsides, First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher	Dec 1864 – Jan 1865	For extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. New Iron sides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first two days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship.
	Fleetwood, ChristianChristian Fleetwood	Army	E-09Sergeant Major	4th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Seized the colors, after 2 color bearers had been shot down, and bore them nobly through the fight."
	Gardner, James DanielJames Daniel Gardner	Army	E-01Private	36th United States Colored Infantry Regiment	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Rushed in advance of his brigade, shot a rebel officer who was on the parapet rallying his men, and then ran him through with his bayonet."
	Harris, James H.James H. Harris	Army	E-05Sergeant	38th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Gallantry in the assault"
	Hawkins, Thomas R.Thomas R. Hawkins	Army	E-01Private	6th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia	July 21, 1864	"Rescue of regimental colors."
—	Hilton, Alfred B.Alfred B. Hilton*	Army	E-05Sergeant	4th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"When the regimental color bearer fell, this soldier seized the color and carried it forward, together with the national standard, until disabled at the enemy's inner line."
	Holland, Milton M.Milton M. Holland	Army	E-09Sergeant Major	5th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Took command of Company C, after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it."
—	James, MilesMiles James	Army	E-04Corporal	36th United States Colored Infantry Regiment	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864
	Kelly, AlexanderAlexander Kelly	Army	E-08First Sergeant	6th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger."
	Lawson, John HenryJohn Henry Lawson	Navy	E-01Landsman	USS Hartford	Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama	August 5, 1864	Although "Wounded in the leg and thrown violently against the side of the ship when an enemy shell killed or wounded the 6-man crew as the shell whipped on the berth deck, Lawson, upon regaining his composure, promptly returned to his station and, although urged to go below for treatment, steadfastly continued his duties..."
	Mifflin, JamesJames Mifflin	Navy	0Engineer's Cook	USS Brooklyn (1858)	Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama	August 5, 1864	"[R]emained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan."
	Pease, JoachimJoachim Pease	Navy	E-01Seaman	USS Kearsarge	off Cherbourg, France	June 19, 1864	"Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire."
	Pinn, RobertRobert Pinn	Army	E-08First Sergeant	5th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Took command of his company after all the officers had been killed or wounded and gallantly led it in battle."
—	Ratcliff, EdwardEdward Ratcliff	Army	E-08First Sergeant	38th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed; was the first enlisted man to enter the enemy's works."
	Smith, Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson Smith	Army	E-04Corporal	55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry	Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina	November 30, 1864	"Saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during al bloody charge called the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina"
—	Veale, CharlesCharles Veale	Army	E-01Private	4th U.S. Colored Infantry	Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia	September 29, 1864	"Seized the national colors after 2 color bearers had been shot down close to the enemy's works, and bore them through the remainder of the battle."

Indian Wars

Eighteen African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars of the western United States. Fourteen were "Buffalo Soldiers", members of the Army's first peacetime black regiments. The four Buffalo Soldier regiments, the 9th Cavalry, 10th Cavalry, 24th Infantry, and 25th Infantry, fought in campaigns throughout the west. The remaining four Medal of Honor recipients were U.S. Army Indian Scouts recruited from among the Black Seminoles, a group of Seminole Indians of African descent.

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
—	Boyne, ThomasThomas Boyne	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Mimbres Mountains and near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico	May 29, 1879 and September 27, 1879	"Bravery in action"
	Brown, BenjaminBenjamin Brown	Army	E-05Sergeant	24th Infantry Regiment	Arizona	May 11, 1889	"Although shot in the abdomen, in a fight between a paymaster's escort and robbers, did not leave the field until again wounded through both arms."
	Denny, JohnJohn Denny	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Las Animas Canyon, New Mexico	September 18, 1879	"Removed a wounded comrade, under a heavy fire, to a place of safety."
	Factor, PompeyPompey Factor	Army	E-01Private	Indian Scouts	Pecos River, Texas	April 25, 1875	"With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol."
	Greaves, ClintonClinton Greaves	Army	E-04Corporal	9th Cavalry Regiment	Florida Mountains, Luna County, New Mexico	January 24, 1877	"While part of a small detachment to persuade a band of renegade Apache Indians to surrender, his group was surrounded. Cpl. Greaves in the center of the savage hand-to-hand fighting, managed to shoot and bash a gap through the swarming Apaches, permitting his companions to break free."
	Johnson, HenryHenry Johnson	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Milk River, Colorado	October 2, 1879– October 5, 1879	"Voluntarily left fortified shelter and under heavy fire at close range made the rounds of the pits to instruct the guards, fought his way to the creek and back to bring water to the wounded."
	Jordan, GeorgeGeorge Jordan	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Fort Tularosa and Carrizo Canyon, New Mexico	May 14, 1880 and August 12, 1881	For repulsing a larger force of Indians on two separate occasions
	Mays, IsaiahIsaiah Mays	Army	E-04Corporal	24th Infantry Regiment	Cedar Springs, Arizona	May 11, 1889	"Gallantry in the fight between Paymaster Wham's escort and robbers. Mays walked and crawled 2 miles to a ranch for help."
	McBryar, WilliamWilliam McBryar	Army	E-05Sergeant	10th Cavalry Regiment	Salt River, north of Globe, Arizona	March 7, 1890	"Distinguished himself for coolness, bravery and marksmanship while his troop was in pursuit of hostile Apache Indians."
—	Paine, AdamAdam Paine	Army	E-01Private	Indian Scouts	Canyon Blanco, Staked Plains, Texas (Red River War)	September 26, 1874 – September 27, 1874	"Rendered invaluable service to Col. R. S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, during this engagement."
—	Payne, IsaacIsaac Payne	Army	0Trumpeter	Indian Scouts	Pecos River, Texas	April 25, 1875	"With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol."
	Shaw, ThomasThomas Shaw	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Carrizo Canyon, Cuchillo Negra Mountains, New Mexico	August 12, 1881	"Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position and prevented the enemy's superior numbers from surrounding his command."
—	Stance, EmanuelEmanuel Stance	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Kickapoo Springs, Texas	May 20, 1870	"Gallantry on scout after Indians"
—	Walley, AugustusAugustus Walley	Army	E-01Private	9th Cavalry Regiment	Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico	August 16, 1881	"Bravery in action with hostile Apaches"
—	Ward, JohnJohn Ward	Army	E-05Sergeant	Indian Scouts, 24th Infantry Regiment	Pecos River, Texas	April 25, 1875	"With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol"
	Williams, MosesMoses Williams	Army	E-08First Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico	August 16, 1881	"Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running flight of 3 or 4 hours, and by his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer in an exposed position under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians saved the lives of at least 3 of his comrades."
—	Wilson, William OthelloWilliam Othello Wilson	Army	E-04Corporal	9th Cavalry Regiment	Sioux Campaign	December 30, 1890	"Bravery"
	Woods, BrentBrent Woods	Army	E-05Sergeant	9th Cavalry Regiment	Gavilan Canyon, New Mexico	August 19, 1881	"Saved the lives of his comrades and citizens of the detachment"

Spanish–American War

Six African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the Spanish–American War: five Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment and one United States Navy sailor. Four of the five Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal for rescuing a trapped landing party during the Battle of Tayacoba.

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Baker, Jr., Edward L.Edward L. Baker, Jr.	Army	E-09Sergeant Major	10th Cavalry Regiment	Santiago, Cuba	July 1, 1898	"Left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning."
	Bell, DennisDennis Bell	Army	E-01Private	10th Cavalry Regiment	Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba	June 30, 1898	"Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated."
—	Lee, FitzFitz Lee	Army	E-01Private	10th Cavalry Regiment	Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba	June 30, 1898	"Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts had been frustrated."
	Penn, RobertRobert Penn	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Iowa (BB-4)	On board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba	July 20, 1898	"Performing his duty at the risk of serious scalding at the time of the blowing out of the manhole gasket on board the vessel, Penn hauled the fire while standing on a board thrown across a coal bucket 1 foot above the boiling water which was still blowing from the boiler."
—	Thompkins, William H.William H. Thompkins	Army	E-01Private	10th Cavalry Regiment	Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba	June 30, 1898	"Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated."
—	Wanton, George H.George H. Wanton	Army	E-01Private	10th Cavalry Regiment	Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba	June 30, 1898	"Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated."

20th century

World War I

Freddie Stowers was the first of only two African Americans to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in World War I. Stowers had led an assault on German trenches, continuing to lead and encourage his men even after being twice wounded. Stowers died of his wounds, and was shortly afterwards recommended for the Medal of Honor; however, this recommendation was never processed. In 1990, the Department of the Army conducted a review and the Stowers recommendation was uncovered. An investigation was launched, and based on results of the investigation the award of the Medal of Honor was approved. Stowers' Medal of Honor was presented on April 24, 1991—seventy-three years after he was killed-in-action. Henry Johnson's Medal of Honor was presented on June 2, 2015-eighty five years after he died.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
—	Stowers, FreddieFreddie Stowers*	Army	E-04Corporal	371st Infantry Regiment, 93d Division	Hill 188, Champagne Marne Sector, France	September 28, 1918	Led his squad to destroy a group of enemy soldiers and was leading them to another trench when he was killed
	Johnson, HenryHenry Johnson*	Army	E-05Sergeant	U.S. 369th Infantry Regiment (United States), 93d Division	Argonne Forrest, Champagne Marne Sector, France	May 14, 1918	Fought against a 24-man German raiding party

World War II

No African American was awarded a Medal of Honor either during World War II or immediately afterwards with respect to their actions during that conflict. This changed in 1992 when a study conducted by Shaw University and commissioned by the U.S. Dept. of Defense and the United States Army asserted that systematic racial discrimination had been present in the criteria for awarding medals during the war. After an exhaustive review of files the study recommended that several of the Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to African Americans be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, more than fifty years after the end of the war, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African-American World War II veterans. Vernon Baker was the only living recipient—the other six men had been killed in action or died in the intervening years.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Baker, VernonVernon Baker	Army	O-01First lieutenant	370th Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division (Colored)	near Viareggio, Italy	April 5, 1945 and April 6, 1945	For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked an enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces
	Carter, Jr., Edward A.Edward A. Carter, Jr.*	Army	E-06Staff sergeant	56th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division	near Speyer, Germany	March 23, 1945	"For extraordinary heroism on March 23, 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sgt. Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing on alone, he was wounded five times and finally was forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sgt. Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field, using as a shield his two prisoners from whom he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops."
	Fox, John R.John R. Fox*	Army	O-02First lieutenant	598th Field Artillery Battalion, 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division (Colored)	the vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy	December 26, 1944	"[V]oluntarily remained on the second floor of a house to direct defensive artillery fire" so his unit could escape. "when a counterattack retook the position from the Germans, Lieutenant Fox was found dead with approximately 100 German soldiers."
—	James, Jr., Willy F.Willy F. James, Jr.*	Army	E-02Private first class	413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division	near Lippoldsberg, Germany	April 7, 1945	"[L]ed a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader."
	Rivers, RubenRuben Rivers*	Army	E-06Staff sergeant	761st Tank Battalion (Colored), 26th Infantry Division (United States)	Guebling, France	November 15, 1944 – November 19, 1944	For extraordinary heroism in action during the 15–19 November 1944, toward Guebling, France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River's tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
	Thomas, Charles L.Charles L. Thomas*	Army	O-02First lieutenant	614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division	near Climbach, France	December 14, 1944	"For extraordinary heroism in action on December 14, 1944, near Climbach, France. While riding in the lead vehicle of a task force organized to storm and capture the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant Thomas's armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Lieutenant Thomas signalled the remainder of the column to halt and, despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the wrecked car in dismounting. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded, Lieutenant Thomas was again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which in a few moments were promptly and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he could no longer remain in command of the platoon, he signalled to the platoon commander to join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was certain that his junior officer was in full control of the situation did he permit himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Thomas's outstanding heroism were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces."
	Watson , George George Watson *	Army	E-01Private	2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, Quartermaster Corps	Porloch Harbor, New Guinea	March 8, 1943	When his ship was hit by enemy bombers he sacrificed himself to save several other crewmembers who could not swim and drowned when the suction of the ship sinking pulled him under

Korean War

Two African Americans received the Medal of Honor for action in the Korean War; both were soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment. Despite a 1948 Executive Order commanding the integration of the military, segregated units persisted until 1954; the 24th Infantry was one of the last remaining all-black regiments, and these two men were the last African Americans to receive the Medal of Honor for actions while serving in a segregated unit.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Charlton, Cornelius H.Cornelius H. Charlton*	Army	E-05Sergeant	24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division	Near Chipo-ri, Korea	June 2, 1951	Using grenades and machine-gun fire he led his men to fight back a group of enemy soldiers until he was killed
	Thompson, William HenryWilliam Henry Thompson*	Army	E-02Private first class	24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division	Near Haman, Korea	August 6, 1950	Sacrificed his life to allow the rest of his unit to escape a group of enemy soldiers

Vietnam War

Twenty-two African Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War, including James Anderson, Jr., the first African-American Marine to receive the Medal.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Anderson, Jr., JamesJames Anderson, Jr.*	Marine Corps	E-02Private first class	3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division	Cam Lo, Vietnam	February 28, 1967
	Anderson, WebsterWebster Anderson	Army	E-06Staff sergeant	320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)	Tam Kỳ, Vietnam	October 15, 1967	Anderson's artillery unit was attacked by North Vietnamese forces near Tam Kỳ in the Republic of Vietnam. Anderson directed the defense of the unit's position and continued to lead after twice being severely wounded.
	Ashley, Jr., EugeneEugene Ashley, Jr.*	Army	E-07Sergeant first class	5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces	Battle of Lang Vei, Vietnam	February 6, 1968 – February 7, 1968	Led 5 assaults against the enemy, continuously exposing himself to enemy grenades, machine gun and automatic weapons fire until he was killed by enemy mortar fire after being carried off the battlefield
	Austin, Oscar P.Oscar P. Austin*	Marine Corps	E-02Private first class	7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)	Da Nang, Vietnam	February 23, 1969	Sacrificed his life to save a wounded Marine
	Bryant, William MaudWilliam Maud Bryant*	Army	E-07Sergeant first class	5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces	Long Khánh Province, Vietnam	March 24, 1969	Killed by an enemy rocket after leading his men on repeated attacks upon enemy bunkers
	Canley, JohnJohn Canley	Marine Corps	E-7 Gunnery sergeant	1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Company A	Huế	January 31, 1968 – February 6, 1968	Originally awarded the Navy Cross which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor on October 17, 2018.
	Davis, ParisParis Davis	Army	0-06Colonel	5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces	Bồng Sơn, Vietnam	June 17, 1965 – June 18, 1965	Commander of a sussessful counter attack, that resulted in the elimination of nearly 100 enemy hostels, personally braved enemy machines gun fire to save the lives of multiple comrades.
	Davis, Rodney M.Rodney M. Davis*	Marine Corps	E-05Sergeant	5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division	Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam	September 6, 1967
	Jenkins, Jr., Robert H.Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.*	Marine Corps	E-02Private first class	3rd Marine Division (Reinforced)	Fire Support Base Argonne, DMZ, Vietnam	March 5, 1969	Sacrificed his life to shield a wounded Marine from an exploding grenade
	Joel, LawrenceLawrence Joel	Army	E-04Specialist six	503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade	Vietnam	November 8, 1965	After a long battle with enemy soldiers and despite his own wounds he continued to treat wounded until he was ordered to evacuate
	Johnson, Dwight H.Dwight H. Johnson	Army	E-04Specialist five	69th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division	Dak To, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam	January 15, 1968	Risked his life to repeatedly attack a group of enemy soldiers until all of the enemy had been repulsed or killed
	Johnson, Ralph H.Ralph H. Johnson*	Marine Corps	E-02Private first class	1st Marine Division (Reinforced)	Hill 146, Quan Duc Valley, Vietnam	March 5, 1968
—	Langhorn, Garfield M.Garfield M. Langhorn*	Army	E-02Private first class	17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade	Plei Djereng, Pleiku Province, Vietnam	January 15, 1969
	Leonard, MatthewMatthew Leonard*	Army	E-07Sergeant first class	16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division	Suoi Da, Vietnam	February 28, 1967	Although severely wounded he continued to fight the enemy until succumbing to his wounds
	Long, Donald RussellDonald Russell Long*	Army	E-05Sergeant	4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division	Vietnam	June 30, 1966
	Morris, MelvinMelvin Morris	Army	Staff sergeant	Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force	Chi Lăng, Vietnam	September 17, 1969	Shot three times while retrieving a wounded comrade
	Olive, III, Milton L.Milton L. Olive, III*	Army	E-02Private first class	503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade	Phu Cuong, Vietnam	October 22, 1965
	Pitts, Riley L.Riley L. Pitts*	Army	O-03Captain	27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division	Ap Dong, Vietnam	October 31, 1967	Led his men against numerous attacks against the enemy until they had been defeated
	Rogers, Charles CalvinCharles Calvin Rogers	Army	O-05Lieutenant colonel	5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division	Fishook region (near the Cambodian border), Vietnam	November 1, 1968	"Although too severely wounded to physically lead the defenders, Lt. Col. Rogers continued to give encouragement and direction to his men in the defeating and repelling of the enemy attack"
—	Sargent, Ruppert L.Ruppert L. Sargent*	Army	O-02First lieutenant	9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division	Hậu Nghĩa Province, Vietnam	March 15, 1967
	Sasser, ClarenceClarence Sasser	Army	E-02Private first class	60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division	Ding Tuong Province, Vietnam	January 10, 1968	Although wounded himself he proceeded to administer first aid to the wounded for more than five hours until they were evacuated
—	Sims, Clifford ChesterClifford Chester Sims*	Army	E-06Staff sergeant	501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division	Huế, Vietnam	February 21, 1968
	Warren, Jr., John E.John E. Warren, Jr.*	Army	O-02First lieutenant	22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division	Tây Ninh Province, Vietnam	January 14, 1969	Treated the wounded and administered last rites to the dead and dying until he was killed by the enemy

21st century

Iraq War

Alwyn Crendall Cashe (July 13, 1970 – November 8, 2005) was a United States Army non-commissioned officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Iraq. On November 10, 2020, the United States Congress voted to upgrade Cashe's initially awarded Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. On December 16, 2021, more than 16 years after his death at age 35, Cashe's widow, Tamara, accepted the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden at a ceremony commemorating the actions of Cashe and two fellow soldiers for their acts in separate battles.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Cashe, AlwynAlwyn Cashe*	Army	Sergeant First Class	Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division	near Samarra, Iraq	October 17, 2005	"While on a nighttime mounted patrol near an enemy-laden village, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle which Sergeant First Class Cashe was commanding was attacked by enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device, which disabled the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. After extracting himself from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe set about extracting the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle. After opening the driver’s hatch, Sergeant First Class Cashe and a fellow soldier extracted the driver, who was engulfed in the flames. During the course of extinguishing the flames on the driver and extracting him from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe’s fuel soaked his uniform, igniting and causing severe burns to his body. Ignoring his painful wounds, Sergeant First Class Cashe then moved to the rear of the vehicle to continue in aiding his fellow soldiers who were trapped in the troop compartment. At this time, the enemy noted his movements and began to direct their fire on his position. When another element of the company engaged the enemy, Sergeant First Class Cashe seized the opportunity and moved into the open troop door and aided four of his soldiers in escaping the burning vehicle. Having extracted the four soldiers, Sergeant First Class Cashe noticed two other soldiers had not been accounted for and again he entered the building to retrieve them. At this time, reinforcements arrived to further suppress the enemy and establish a Casualty Collection Point. Despite the severe second- and third-degree burns covering the majority of his body, Sergeant First Class Cashe persevered through the pain to encourage his fellow soldiers and ensure they received needed medical care. When medical evacuation helicopters began to arrive, Sergeant First Class Cashe selflessly refused evacuation until all of the other wounded soldiers were evacuated first.."

Non-combat

Before World War II, the Medal of Honor could be awarded for actions not involving direct combat with the enemy; eight African Americans earned the Medal in this way, all of them sailors. Robert Augustus Sweeney received two peacetime Medals of Honor, one of only 19 men, and the only African American, to be awarded the medal twice. Most of the non-combat medals, including both of Sweeney's, were awarded for rescuing or attempting to rescue someone from drowning.

      This along with * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Unit	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Atkins, DanielDaniel Atkins	Navy	Ship's Cook First Class	USS Cushing	aboard ship at sea	February 11, 1898	Attempted to save the life of an officer who fell overboard at sea
—	Davis, JohnJohn Davis	Navy	E-01Ordinary Seaman	USS Trenton	Toulon, France	February 1881	"Jumping overboard, Davis rescued Augustus Ohlensen, coxswain, from drowning"
—	Girandy, AlphonseAlphonse Girandy	Navy	E-01Seaman	USS Petrel	aboard ship at sea	March 31, 1901	"[F]earlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others"
—	Johnson, JohnJohn Johnson	Navy	E-01Seaman	USS Kansas	near Greytown, Nicaragua	April 12, 1872	"[D]isplayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned and, by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life."
—	Johnson, WilliamWilliam Johnson	Navy	Cooper	USS Adams	Navy Yard, Mare Island, California	November 14, 1879	"[R]escued Daniel W. Kloppen, a workman, from drowning"
	Noil, Joseph B.Joseph B. Noil	Navy	E-01Seaman	USS Powhatan	Norfolk, Virginia	December 26, 1872	"[S]aved Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning"
—	Smith, JohnJohn Smith	Navy	E-01Seaman	USS Shenandoah	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	September 19, 1880	"[R]escuing from drowning James Grady, first class fireman"
—	Sweeney, Robert AugustusRobert Augustus Sweeney	Navy	E-01Ordinary Seaman	First action: USS Kearsarge Second action: USS Jamestown	First action: Hampton Roads, Virginia Second action: Brooklyn Navy Yard	First action: October 26, 1881 Second action: December 20, 1883	First action:"[J]umped overboard and assisted in saving from drowning a shipmate who had fallen overboard into a strongly running tide" Second action:"[R]escued from drowning A. A. George, who had fallen overboard from that vessel"