William H. Barnes (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Henry Barnes
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| Born | 1840 or 1845 Saint Mary's County, Maryland |
| Died | December 24 1866 (aged 25–26) or 1866 (aged 20–21) Indianola, Texas |
| Place of burial |
San Antonio National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1864-1866 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 38th Regiment United States Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Chaffin's Farm |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William Henry Barnes (born around 1840 or 1845 – died December 24, 1866) was an 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 award for bravery in the military.
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About William Henry Barnes
William Henry Barnes was born and grew up in St. Mary's County, Maryland. He worked as a free farmer there. In 1864, he joined the Army in Norfolk, Virginia. He became a private in Company C of the 38th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. Records show he was about 23 years old when he joined, meaning he was born around 1840 or 1841. Some other sources suggest he was born in 1845.
Bravery at Chaffin's Farm
On September 29, 1864, William Barnes's regiment fought in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm. His group of African American soldiers was ordered to attack the center of the Confederate defenses. These defenses were strong, with two lines of sharpened stakes and logs (called abatis) and a wall of pointed logs (called palisades).
The Confederate soldiers fired heavily on Barnes's group. Many soldiers were lost or hurt during this attack. William Barnes showed great courage. He was one of the very first soldiers to break through the enemy's defenses, even though he was wounded.
For his bravery, he was given the Medal of Honor. He received this award on April 6, 1865, about six months after the battle. A few months later, on July 1, 1865, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Life After the War
After the war ended, William Barnes stayed in the Army. He traveled to Texas with his regiment. Sadly, he died from tuberculosis at an Army hospital in Indianola on December 24, 1866. A special marker was placed in his memory at the San Antonio National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Honored at a Memorial
William H. Barnes is honored at the United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue. This memorial is in Lexington Park, Maryland, which is in St. Mary's County where he grew up. The information at the memorial specifically mentions him.
