Hold the Flag High: The True Story of the First Black Medal of Honor Winner

The true story of the first Black Medal of Freedom winner—a remarkable account of one of the most memorable battles in Civil War history.

Sergeant William H. Carney was one of the few Black officers of the newly formed Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment—composed entirely of Black soldiers. In an important Civil War battle, Carney led his men over the ramparts of Fort Wagner, where Union soldiers charged the Confederates. As they fought, they gained strength from the stars and stripes of the American flag, Old Glory.

It was Carney’s vow to never let Old Glory touch the ground, and despite several gunshot wounds, he was able to rescue the flag from the fallen bearer.

Carney held the flag high as a symbol that his regiment would never submit to the Confederacy. The battle of Fort Wagner decimated the Fifty-fourth Regiment, but Carney’s heroism that night inspired all who survived.

This nonfiction picture book is authored by Catherine Clinton, the Denman Chair of American History at the University of Texas in San Antonio, and beautifully illustrated by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Shane W. Evans. 

“Captures the fear and horror of battle as well as the bravery of the soldiers.”—Booklist

“An excellent resource to humanize textbook studies of the Civil War.” —School Library Journal

“Ably captures…the courage displayed by Carney and his fellow troops.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An excellent resource to humanize textbook studies of the Civil War” - School Library Journal

“[A] stirring chapter in American history.” - The Horn Book

“Celebrates the courage of William Carney.” - Booklist