Unsung Legends
History textbooks often gloss over the sheer scale of courage shown by Black soldiers, spies, and leaders during the American Civil War, but their impact on the battlefield was absolutely massive. From daring maritime escapes to stealthy espionage networks, these individuals repeatedly risked everything to secure their own freedom and save the Union. You don't have to wade through dusty archives to get to know these amazing figures because we've gathered twenty of the most remarkable trailblazers who stepped up when the stakes were at an all-time high.
1. William Harvey Carney
When Union troops led the charge on Fort Wagner, Sgt. William Harvey Carney prevented the American flag from touching the ground after the color guard was taken down. He battled multiple wounds but never let the flag fall. He would later become the first Black Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery.
2. Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls disguised himself as the captain of a Confederate steamship and liberated his family from a heavily guarded Charleston harbor. After picking them up at night, Smalls sailed right through the Union blockade and handed over precious Confederate codebooks and weapons caches to the Northern troops. His daring escape became one of the Civil War's most remarkable stories.
3. Harriet Tubman
Although best known for conducting escape missions through the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman led a top-secret military raid along the Combahee River that freed more than 700 enslaved people during the war. Her espionage and military service turned her into one of the Civil War’s ultimate heroes. Her leadership demonstrated extraordinary courage and strategic skill.
4. Christian Fleetwood
During the chaotic Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Sgt. Maj. Christian Fleetwood stepped up to save his regiment's flag after multiple color bearers fell. He ran into a cloud of smoke to rally his regiment and keep the troops’ charge organized. Fleetwood’s leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.
Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963, collector. on Wikimedia
5. Andrew Jackson Smith
Fleeing bondage to join the Union cause, Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith showed spectacular bravery during the Battle of Honey Hill. He braved a storm of artillery fire to rescue his unit's flags after the original bearer was attacked. His family fought for decades to get his actions recognized.
Unidentified photographer on Wikimedia
6. Robert Blake
Serving as a crew member on the USS Marblehead, Robert Blake became the first African American to physically receive the Medal of Honor. When an explosion knocked out his ship's crew, he didn't hesitate to jump in and run the heavy artillery himself. His fast actions saved the vessel from sinking.
Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash
7. Susie King Taylor
Susie King Taylor selflessly gave back to her unit by tutoring soldiers of the 33rd United States Colored Troops to read and write during her downtime. Taylor also provided much-needed nursing assistance to wounded soldiers during her service. She later published a memoir to share her experiences.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
8. Martin Delany
Martin Delany was the first Black field officer in United States military history. His passionate speech convincing President Abraham Lincoln to allow Black men to enlist was only rivaled by his medical and strategic prowess. Delany’s accomplishments led the way for future Black officers.
Unknown artistUnknown artist, photograph by dbking on Wikimedia
9. Mary Bowser
Living right under Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ nose was one of the Union’s most effective spies. Mary Bowser had a photographic memory that allowed her to memorize confidential military documents while working as Davis’ house servant. The intelligence she provided to Union operatives helped change the tide.
Charles Richard Rees on Wikimedia
10. Alexander Thomas Augusta
Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta was instrumental in becoming the first Black surgeon in the Union Army. He worked diligently to ensure equal pay for Black doctors and nurses in the military. He led the team of doctors at Camp Stanton, integrating the Union Army one tent at a time.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
11. James Daniel Gardner
Charging forward during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Private James Daniel Gardner rushed ahead of his unit to silence a Confederate officer. He successfully secured the enemy position and inspired his fellow soldiers. His outstanding personal courage on the front lines earned him a well-deserved Medal of Honor.
Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963, collector. on Wikimedia
12. Powhatan Beaty
When all of his company's officers were taken out in battle, Sgt. Powhatan Beaty took command on the fly and led a crucial counterattack. He managed to recover lost ground under heavy fire. This decisive, heroic leadership prevented a disastrous rout and secured his place in military history.
Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963, collector on Wikimedia
13. John Lawson
While stationed on the USS Hartford during the Battle of Mobile Bay, John Lawson was severely wounded by an enemy shell blast. He refused to go below deck for medical treatment. Instead, he stayed at his post and kept supplying ammunition to the ship's weapons.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
14. Aaron Anderson
Rowing under intense enemy fire, Landsman Aaron Anderson helped guide a small boat on a dangerous mission to destroy Confederate schooners. Even as artillery tore through the boat's hull, he kept his cool and rowed steadily. This allowed his crewmates to successfully complete their task.
15. Joachim Pease
Stationed on the USS Kearsarge, loader Joachim Pease maintained a flawless reload speed during a legendary duel with the Confederate raider CSS Alabama. His captain highly praised his incredible endurance and heavy return fire. He helped sink the infamous enemy vessel, earning a Medal of Honor for his stellar performance.
Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia
16. Miles James
Even after a devastating injury shattered his arm on the battlefield, Corporal Miles James refused to retreat. He managed to load and fire his weapon with only one hand to provide cover for his advancing comrades. His jaw-dropping determination kept his squad moving forward.
17. Decatur Dorsey
A fierce leap over the enemy's defensive works at the Battle of the Crater made Sgt. Decatur Dorsey an instant legend. He planted his regiment's flag directly on the Confederate parapet to rally his struggling unit under a hail of enemy fire. This brave display of leadership boosted the morale of his fellow soldiers.
Employees of the United States Naval Academy on Wikimedia
18. Charles Veal
Carrying the blue regimental colors of the 4th United States Colored Troops, Private Charles Veal kept the flag flying when other color bearers were taken down. He seized the staff and kept marching forward to give his team a clear point of focus during the chaos. His bravery under fire kept his unit aligned and moving in the right direction.
19. James H. Bronson
Knowing his men were looking to him for guidance during the Civil War didn’t stop First Sgt. James H. Bronson once he found himself leading his unit. When all of his superior officers were incapacitated during battle, Bronson organized the capture of an enemy fort. His leadership helped keep his soldiers focused during a critical moment.
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia
20. Thomas Morris Chester
Though he didn’t lace up a weapon, Thomas Morris Chester made sure the Civil War was documented from a Black perspective. Serving as a war correspondent, he was one of the only Black journalists to write for a national daily newspaper. His reports brought readers into the war and showed them the heroism displayed by Black regiments.
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