Holland, Sergeant-Major Fifth United States
Colored Troops, commanding Company C; James H. Bronson,
First Sergeant, commanding Company D; Robert Pinn, First
Sergeant, commanding Company I, wounded; Powhatan Beaty,
First Sergeant, commanding Company G, Fifth United States
Colored Troops--all these gallant colored soldiers were left
in command, all their company officers being killed or
wounded, and led them gallantly and meritoriously through
the day. For these services they have most honorable
mention, and the commanding general will cause a special
medal to be struck in honor of these gallant soldiers."
"First Sergeant Edward Ratcliff, Company C, Thirty-eighth
United States Colored Troops, thrown into command of his
company by the death of the officer commanding, was the
first enlisted man in the enemy's works, leading his company
with great gallantry for which he has a medal."
"Sergeant Samuel Gilchrist, Company K, Thirty-sixth United
States Colored Troops, showed great bravery and gallantry in
commanding his company after his officers were killed. He
has a medal for gallantry."[31]
"Honorable mention" and "medals" were the sole reward open to the
brave Negro soldiers of that day.
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