On this day in history, May 23, 1900, Sgt. William H. Carney receives Medal of Honor

Sgt. William H. Carney was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, on this day in history, May 23, 1900, for his efforts at protecting the American flag during the Civil War, says History.com. The Medal of Honor is the United States government’s most prestigious decoration, as the National Archives has noted.

Although this notable act of heroism happened in 1863, Sgt. Carney was not awarded the country’s highest military honor until May 23, 1900. Born in Norfolk, Virginia Sgt. Carney was born on Feb. 29, 1840, in Norfolk, Virginia, according to the National Museum of the U.S. Army. His father, William Carney Sr., fled enslavement on the Underground Railroad and eventually, says the site, the elder Carney settled in Massachusetts, where he worked and bought his family’s freedom.

Carney recovered from the wounds he received at Fort Wagner — and when his commanders heard about his conduct, he was promoted to sergeant, noted The Military Times. Later in the war, the publication reported, the 54th fought a rear-guard action covering a retreat at the Battle of Olustee. Yet Sgt. Carney could not participate in that engagement as a result of his wounds.

Sgt. Carney died on Dec. 9, 1908. He is buried in New Bedford, Massachusetts. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 'His memory lives on as a representation of the valor and bravery of the Black Soldiers who served in the Union Army and when Carney died in 1908, the U.S. flag flew at half-mast at the Massachusetts State House,' according to the Library of the State of Virginia. For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

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