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The Life and Legacy of Medal of Honor Recipient Andrew Jackson Smith

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Carrying the Colors: The Life and Legacy of Medal of Honor Recipient Andrew Jackson Smith

by W. Robert Beckman

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	288 pages

Andrew Jackson Smith was born into slavery in 1825 in Franklin, Tennessee. He escaped from slavery in 1848 and made his way to Ohio, where he worked as a laborer and barber. In 1863, Smith enlisted in the Union Army and was assigned to the 11th United States Colored Troops.

Smith saw action in several battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Nashville. On December 15, 1864, Smith's regiment was ordered to charge a Confederate battery. Smith was one of the first soldiers to reach the battery, and he helped to capture the guns. For his actions, Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Smith was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor. His award was a significant victory for the cause of racial equality. It helped to prove that African Americans were just as capable of fighting and dying for their country as white soldiers.

After the war, Smith returned to Ohio, where he worked as a barber and a farmer. He also served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Smith died in 1906 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Smith's Legacy

Andrew Jackson Smith's legacy is one of courage, determination, and equality. He was a brave soldier who fought for his country and helped to break down the barriers of racism. Smith's story is an inspiration to all Americans, and it reminds us that anything is possible if we believe in ourselves.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Smith was also awarded the Ohio Medal of Valor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Medal (posthumously). He has been inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and the National Civil War Museum Hall of Honor.

Smith's legacy continues to live on today. There are several schools and streets named after him, and his story is still told in classrooms and museums across the country. Smith is a true American hero, and his story is one that should never be forgotten.

Andrew Jackson Smith was a remarkable man who made a significant contribution to the cause of racial equality. He was a brave soldier who fought for his country, and he was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor. Smith's legacy is one of courage, determination, and equality, and it is an inspiration to all Americans.

Andrew Jackson Smith, The First African American To Receive The Medal Of Honor Carrying The Colors: The Life And Legacy Of Medal Of Honor Recipient Andrew Jackson Smith