Legislation introduced Feb. 22 seeks a congressional gold medal to recognize collectively, for their bravery and outstanding service, the African Americans who served with Union forces during the American Civil War

After H.R. 6816 was introduced in the House by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-District of Columbia, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for further consideration.

During the Civil War, approximately 200,000 African American men served in the Union Army, and another 19,000 were in the Union Navy.

Although African American women were not allowed to formally enlist, thousands served as nurses, cooks, spies and scouts for Union military forces.

The Second Confiscation Act of July 17, 1862, and the Military Act of the same date were the first official authorizations to grant African American men the right to serve in the Union Army.

Jan. 1, 1863, the effective date of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, the Union Army was ordered to receive African American men as soldiers.

On May 22, 1863, the U.S. War Department established the Bureau of Colored Troops (USCT) for the recruitment and organization of Union troops comprised of African American men.

The military units were still segregated. Eighteen USCT soldiers and eight sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Connect with Coin World:  
Sign up for our free eNewsletter
Access our Dealer Directory  
Like us on Facebook  
Follow us on Twitter