AUSA Releases Comic on Sgt. Carney, First Black Medal of Honor Awardee

Sgt. William Carney, renowned for his bravery during the Civil War and immortalized in the film "Glory," is about to receive a tribute in the form of his comic book. The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) has announced that Carney's remarkable journey will be featured in the latest installment of their Medal of Honor comic series, honoring the nation's first Black recipient of this esteemed award.

On July 18, 1863, amidst the fierce assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, Carney exhibited remarkable courage. As the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment surged forward towards the fort, the brave soldier bearing the American flag fell, his sacrifice echoing through the ranks. With unwavering determination, Carney grasped the fallen flag and navigated through a hail of gunfire toward the fort’s walls. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he held the flag high, inspiring his fellow soldiers as they made their way back to the Union lines.

In the years that followed, his courageous deeds were acknowledged with the Medal of Honor, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the annals of American military history.

Carney’s courage, alongside the valor of the all-Black 54th Massachusetts, was vividly depicted in the 1989 Oscar-winning film “Glory,” featuring Denzel Washington as Pvt. Trip is a character partially inspired by Carney’s actual deeds.

The next installment in AUSA’s Medal of Honor series marks the 24th issue. Crafted by Chuck Dixon, celebrated for his contributions to “Batman” and “The Punisher,” and brought to life through the illustrations of Wayne Vansant, renowned for “The ’Nam,” this project unites exceptional talent to recount Carney’s tale compellingly. Peter Pantazis, known for his work on “Justice League” and “Superman,” took charge of the coloring. At the same time, Troy Peteri, the letterer celebrated for “Spider-Man” and “X-Men,” completed the creative ensemble.

Alongside Carney’s tale, AUSA is set to release three additional Medal of Honor graphic novels in 2025, highlighting the remarkable journeys of Clint Romesha (Afghanistan), Van Barfoot (World War II), and Emil Kapaun (Korean War).

The release arrives in the wake of earlier controversies this year, as the Department of Defense took down several webpages that showcased the histories of minority and female service members, including Carney, during a review of materials related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The decision faced intense backlash for overlooking the significant contributions of American heroes like the Navajo Code Talkers, Jackie Robinson, and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Even so, Carney’s legacy endures, now captivating fresh audiences through the compelling art of visual narrative.

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