Sgt. William Carney, a member of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment, was the first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War’s Second Battle of Fort Wagner in July 1863. His courageous actions were highlighted in the movie “Glory,” which depicted the struggles and heroism of the unit’s Black soldiers. Unfortunately, Carney’s dedication and sacrifice have been brought into the spotlight once again, but for an entirely different reason: his page has been scrubbed from the Pentagon’s official website amidst recent attacks on diversity and inclusion content.
This issue has sparked significant debate in the media and amongst veterans’ advocates and marks a concerning trend as several documents recounting the contributions of minority soldiers have mysteriously vanished or been relegated to outdated links without explanations. Carney's story was one of resilience and honor—he is renowned for carrying the American flag into battle and holding it aloft despite sustaining multiple wounds. This act of bravery ensured the flag was planted at the fort’s walls, embodying the spirit of his regiment in the face of adversity.
As of March 19, 2025, the article titled “Meet Sgt. William Carney: The first African American Medal of Honor recipient” has been removed from the Department of Defense's domain and now redirects to a 404 error page. The page reportedly had “DEI” labeled in its URL, raising eyebrows regarding the motives behind its removal. In contrast, the Army’s website still maintains a version of the article, unchanged.
According to reports from Task & Purpose, the loss of Carney’s biography is part of a broader systematic removal of information concerning minority soldiers from the Pentagon's website. Veterans and advocates have expressed dismay at this censorship, highlighting the significance of recognizing diversity within American military history. Pentagon officials have yet to respond to inquiries about the reasons behind these deletions.
Several other pages related to well-known figures such as Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and iconic military units like the Navajo Code Talkers, have also been taken down. The deletions were reported by various news outlets, including Axios and The Washington Post, and paint a troubling picture of a concerted effort to erase the acknowledgment of Black and Hispanic servicemembers' contributions to American history.
On March 18, 2025, five U.S. Senators, including Tammy Duckworth and Richard Blumenthal, issued a statement condemning this purge of race- and gender-related content on military websites as a “middle finger to our veterans.” The letter pointed out that this trend not only undermines the legacy of soldiers like Carney but also fails to inspire future generations to take pride in the diverse makeup of the U.S. military.
Historically, Carney's actions during the battle were vital to the characterization of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry in the film “Glory.” Denzel Washington portrayed a fictionalized character loosely based on Carney’s heroics. While “Glory” achieved acclaim, it also faced criticism for not accurately representing the true stories of Black soldiers during the Civil War.
The film depicted the dire circumstances of the 54th Massachusetts as they stormed the fort, facing substantial casualties but also highlighting their determination and belief in their righteous cause. However, the movie has drawn scrutiny for dramatic inaccuracies and for failing to include specific narratives of soldiers like Carney and fellow regiment members whose real-life stories deserve to be told.
Although “Glory” brought some attention to issues of racial injustice within the military, as well as the heroism of Black soldiers, the current erasure of significant historical narratives undermines those efforts. The Senate letter expressed disappointment that these exclusions are a betrayal to those who bravely served the country, emphasizing that removing historical content only perpetuates ignorance and overlooks the rich tapestry that contributes to American history.
As the Pentagon has engaged in the deliberate removal of these essential stories, many historians and veterans argue that it is essential to confront and acknowledge historical realities rather than shy away from them. The history of Black soldiers like William Carney should not be obscured but celebrated, highlighting their contributions to the military and the sacrifices they made in service of their country.
Amidst the escalating campaign to remove “DEI” centered content, it remains critical to remind the public and decision-makers of the importance of inclusivity in all levels of history, especially related to its most influential moments. The contributions of individuals like William Carney shaped not just military history but American culture, and to erase their stories is to rob future generations of their heroic legacies. It is incumbent upon society to ensure the preservation of these narratives within the fabric of educational institutions and military memorials throughout the nation.
It is through stories, such as those of Carney, that the values of bravery and dedication can resonate with future soldiers and civilians alike, inspiring generations to come. By ensuring these critical historical accounts are shared and honored, we can build a society that recognizes and respects the sacrifices made by all its members, regardless of race or background.
