Union Soldier Took Up Fallen Colors at Fort Fisher

Private William Henry Freeman, U.S. Army, was the orderly of Col. Alonzo Alden, Commander of the 169th New York Regiment. In the January 15 battle for Fort Fisher, the standard bearer was seriously wounded and dropped the colors. William took up the colors, putting himself in great danger. For this, in May 1905, he received the Medal of Honor, which is now in the Fort Fisher Museum. In the January battle, Colonel Alden was seriously wounded. He was sent by ship a few days later to New York, accompanied by William.