He wasn't the first Black American to receive the medal.
Carney received his Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, nearly 37 years after the events at Fort Wagner (more than half such awards from the Civil War were presented 20 or more years after the fact).[3] Twenty African American men received the medal before him, but because his battle actions happened earlier than the others, some have incorrectly cited him as the first to have received the medal.[2][3][8] His citation reads,
When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped 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.[9]
In 1901, shortly after his medal was finally awarded, a song was published about his daring exploits. The song was entitled, "Boys the Old Flag Never Touched the Ground." It clearly tells the story of his brave and patriotic efforts to keep Old Glory flying in the midst of a fierce battle. The text of the song can be found here.
Carney died at the Boston City Hospital on December 9, 1908, of complications from an elevator accident at the Massachusetts State House where he worked for the Department of State. His body lay in state for one day at the undertaking rooms of Walden Banks 142 Lenox Street at the wish of his wife and daughter. He was buried in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts.[10] Engraved on his tombstone is an image of the Medal of Honor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Harvey_Carney
