Decatur Dorsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Decatur Dorsey
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Medal of Honor, 1862–1895 Army version
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| Born | 1836 Howard County, Maryland |
| Died | July 11, 1891 (aged 54–55) Hoboken, New Jersey |
| Place of burial |
Flower Hill Cemetery, North Bergen, New Jersey
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864–65 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 39th United States Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of the Crater |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Decatur Dorsey (1836 – July 11, 1891) was a brave soldier in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the U.S. He earned this honor for his amazing actions at the Battle of the Crater. Dorsey was born into slavery but later joined the United States Colored Troops and fought for freedom.
Contents
Decatur Dorsey: A Hero of the Civil War
Early Life and Joining the Fight
Decatur Dorsey was born in 1836. He was born into slavery in what is now Howard County, Maryland. Even though he was enslaved, Dorsey found a way to join the Union Army. He enlisted on March 26, 1864. He became a private in Company B of the 39th United States Colored Infantry. Less than two months later, he was promoted to corporal.
Bravery at the Battle of the Crater
Dorsey showed incredible courage on July 30, 1864. This was during the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, Virginia. The Union Army wanted to break through the Confederate defenses. They dug a long tunnel under the enemy lines. Then, they exploded a huge amount of gunpowder.
The explosion created a giant hole, or "crater," in the Confederate defenses. Union soldiers rushed into this crater. But the Confederates quickly regrouped. They started firing down into the crater, trapping many Union soldiers.
Dorsey's division was held back at first. Then, they were ordered to help the attack. Dorsey was the color bearer for his regiment. This meant he carried the unit's flag. He ran ahead of his unit during the attack. He bravely planted the flag on the Confederate defenses.
When his regiment had to pull back, Dorsey didn't leave the flag. He went back and got it. He then used the flag to rally his fellow soldiers. He encouraged them for a second attack. In this second charge, the 39th Regiment broke through the Confederate lines. They fought hand-to-hand with the enemy. They even captured two hundred prisoners and two enemy flags. Eventually, they were ordered to withdraw.
Recognition and Later Life
Decatur Dorsey's bravery was quickly recognized. He was promoted to sergeant just two days after the battle. On January 1, 1865, he was promoted again to first sergeant.
On November 8, 1865, Dorsey received the Medal of Honor. This was for his heroic actions at the Battle of the Crater. He left the Army a month later, on December 4.
After the war, Dorsey returned to Baltimore. He married Mannie Christie in 1866. Later, he moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. He worked in different jobs, like a cook and a sailor. Decatur Dorsey passed away in Hoboken on July 11, 1891. He was about 55 years old. He was buried at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, New Jersey.
