In January 1863 the Union War Department authorized the creation of "a special corps" composed of "persons of African descent"—the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. Robert Gould Shaw. Hundreds of free blacks enlisted. When the 54th Massachusetts spearheaded the suicidal charge against Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, the regiment was showered with acclaim, but that defining event was not its only illustrious moment. After the devastating repulse at Fort Wagner left all of the unit's ranking officers dead or wounded, Captain Luis Fenellosa Emilio (1844-1918) emerged as the 54th's acting commander.
2 comments
Mud8oy
20 Aug 17#1
Thanks jwrodger, seen the movie sometime ago and will now read the book. :grin:
Zebedee2017
21 Aug 17#2
chrs! heard about this book a while ago... just taken me a while to find it, esp on a FREEBIE!
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Opening post
Hundreds of free blacks enlisted. When the 54th Massachusetts spearheaded the suicidal charge against Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, the regiment was showered with acclaim, but that defining event was not its only illustrious moment.
After the devastating repulse at Fort Wagner left all of the unit's ranking officers dead or wounded, Captain Luis Fenellosa Emilio (1844-1918) emerged as the 54th's acting commander.
2 comments
just taken me a while to find it, esp on a FREEBIE!