Alfred B. Hilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred B. Hilton
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| Born | c. 1842 Hopewell Village, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | October 21, 1864 (aged 21–22) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1864 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit |  Company H, 4th Regiment United States Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Chaffin's Farm |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Alfred B. Hilton (born around 1842 – died October 21, 1864) was a brave African American soldier. He served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest military award. He earned it for his heroic actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.
A Hero's Story
Alfred B. Hilton was born near Hopewell Village, Maryland, around the year 1842.
In 1863, Hilton joined the 4th Regiment United States Colored Infantry. By September 29, 1864, he was a Sergeant in Company H of his regiment. On that day, his unit fought in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. This battle took place near Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the capital of the Confederate side.
Bravery in Battle
During the battle, Sergeant Hilton was part of the unit's "color guard." This group of soldiers was responsible for carrying the flags. These flags included the American flag and the regiment's own special flag.
As the 4th Regiment charged towards the enemy, Hilton showed amazing courage. He was already carrying the American flag. Then, he saw another soldier who was wounded. This soldier was carrying the regimental flag. Hilton quickly grabbed this second flag, making sure it didn't fall to the ground.
Soon after, Hilton was seriously wounded himself. A shot went through his leg. Even though he was hurt, he still thought about the flags. He bravely called out, "Boys, save the colors!" Two of his fellow soldiers immediately stepped forward. Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood took the American flag. Private Charles Veale grabbed the blue regimental flag. Thanks to Hilton's quick thinking and their bravery, neither flag touched the ground.
Medal of Honor
Sergeant Hilton died from his wounds about a month later, on October 21, 1864. Six months after the battle, on April 6, 1865, he was given the Medal of Honor. This award was given to him after his death for his brave actions at Chaffin's Farm. The two men who saved the flags after Hilton was wounded, Fleetwood and Veale, also received the Medal of Honor.
Alfred B. Hilton is buried in Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, Virginia.
Legacy
In 2021, a monument was planned to honor Alfred B. Hilton. It will be placed at the David R. Craig Park in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
See also
