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Sergeant Andrew Jackson Smith

Andrew Jackson Smith, born a slave in Kentucky, was a corporal in the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry when he fought in the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, on November 30, 1864. Smith took up the unit's battle flags after the Color-Sergeant was killed and carried them throughout the battle, continually exposing himself to heavy Confederate fire. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor in 1916, but it was not until 2001 that he finally received official recognition of his conspicuous bravery. Andrew Jackson Smith, born a slave in Kentucky, was a corporal in the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry when he fought in the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, on November 30, 1864. Smith took up the unit's battle flags after the Color-Sergeant was killed and carried them throughout the battle, continually exposing himself to heavy Confederate fire. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor in 1916, but it was not until 2001 that he finally received official recognition of his conspicuous bravery.

URL: http://mastatelibrary.blogspot.com/2010/08/soldiers-and-sailors.html

Source: Colonel Alfred S. Hartwell Papers (1862-1866), Special Collections, State Library of Massachusetts

Date: c. 1864

Rights: State Library of Massachusetts