Born into slavery and later freed, Christian Fleetwood made history as the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor. During the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in 1864, Fleetwood displayed incredible heroism and leadership. Under heavy fire, he and his comrades carried their wounded officers to safety, refusing to abandon them in the face of danger. His courage and selflessness on the battlefield earned him the highest honor bestowed upon a soldier, exemplifying the resilience and fortitude of African American soldiers who fought for their own freedom and the Union cause. Fleetwood became one of 17 black soldiers to earn the Medal of Honor during the Civil War.

Fleetwood experienced firsthand the harsh realities of bondage. Despite the constraints of his circumstances, he managed to acquire an education, an opportunity that was denied to many enslaved individuals. Fleetwood’s thirst for knowledge fueled his determination to rise above his circumstances and contribute to the fight for equality.

In 1863, Fleetwood escaped slavery. Seven months after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Fleetwood joined the Union Army as part of the 4th U.S. Colored Infantry. and enlisted in the Union Army, joining the 4th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his exemplary character and unwavering dedication to the Union cause. Fleetwood’s natural leadership abilities and his commitment to the welfare of his fellow soldiers earned him the respect and admiration of his comrades.

The defining moment in Fleetwood’s military career occurred during the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm on September 29, 1864, near Richmond, Virginia. Chaffin’s Farm, was seated at a large open bluff between Richmond, Virginia, and the James River. As a Sergeant Major, Fleetwood found himself in the midst of intense combat. Where Fleetwood’s brigade was sent to fight, Union soldiers overwhelmed defenders inside Fort Harrison and captured the strategic area of New Market Heights. During the fight, two flag bearers from Fleetwood’s unit were shot. Fleetwood picked up the U.S. flag. According to the Medal of Honor citation, Fleetwood “bore them [the flag, or ‘colors’] nobly through the fight.” Despite the perilous conditions, he displayed remarkable bravery and selflessness. He was 23 and the highest-ranking black man at the time to commit actions that would earn him the Medal of Honor.

After the Civil War, Fleetwood continued to play an active role in advocating for the rights and equality of African Americans. He became involved in various civic and political organizations and worked tirelessly to uplift his community. Fleetwood’s efforts focused on education, employment opportunities, and social progress for all.

According to the Library of Congress, Fleetwood worked for the Maryland Colonization Society and traveled to African countries. He later published Baltimore’s Lyceum Observer, which was one of the first black newspapers in border slave states. In 1895, he famously delvered an address at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, that was later published as The Negro as a Soldier. When the commander of the DCNG tried to muster out (remove from the rolls) the black battalions of the DCNG in 1891, Fleetwood brought the fight to have them retained directly to the President of the United States. The units were retained by the Guard. He died in 1914 at the age of 74. At his funeral, the D.C. National Guard acted as an escort.