From the September 29, 2020, The Penn "End of the month brought historical events, landmarks to the U.S." by Heather Bair.
1864
Black soldier given Medal of Honor for first time.
Robert Blake served as a Union sailor during the Civil War and was the first Black to receive the Medal of Honor. However, he was not the first black person to perform an action that would get him a Medal of Honor. That honor belongs to William Harvey Carney, but he did not receive the medal until 1900.
During the Civil War, Robert Blake served aboard the USS Marblehead, where he served as a steward to Lieutenant Commander Richard Worsam Meade.
On Christmas Day 1863, a Confederate cannon opened fire on the Marblehead. Not being a combatant, Blake could have retreated to aa place of more safety, but didn't. He went onto the deck, where he was knocked off his feet by an exploding shell. A powder boy had been killed by the explosion and Blake started doing his duties.
After receiving his Medal of Honor, Blake was promoted to seaman and enlisted for another tour of duty.
--Old B-Runner
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