Years of service 1864–1867 Rank Sergeant Major | Name Edward Ratcliff | |
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Battles/wars American Civil WarBattle of Chaffin's Farm Died March 10, 1915, York County, Virginia, United States Allegiance United States of America, Union | ||
Barcelona in 48 hours - by Anja Hitzenberger & Edward Ratcliff & David Zambrano
Edward Ratcliff (February 8, 1835 – March 10, 1915) was an African American Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.
Contents
- Barcelona in 48 hours by Anja Hitzenberger Edward Ratcliff David Zambrano
- Medal of Honor citation
- References
Born as a slave, he was freed when the Union Army took Yorktown. By September 29, 1864, Ratcliff was serving as a First Sergeant in Company C of the 38th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. On that day, his unit participated in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia, and it was for his actions during the battle that he was awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on April 6, 1865.
Ratcliff reached the rank of Sergeant Major before leaving the military. He died at age 80 and was buried in Cheesecake Cemetery, Charles Corner, York County, Virginia.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization:
First Sergeant, Company C, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and Date: At Chapins Farm, Va., September 29, 1864. Birth: James County, Va. Date of Issue: April 6, 1865.Citation:
Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed; was the first enlisted man to enter the enemy's works.