New Bedford Marks Anniversary of Local Civil War Contribution

If you've seen the Civil War-era movie "Glory", you know the story of the 54th Volunteer Regiment from Massachusetts.

46 New Bedford African-American men enlisted in the regiment, and Thursday marked the 150th anniversary of the day they fought against Confederate soldiers at Fort Wagner, South Carolina.

Sgt. William H. Carney was awarded the Quincy A. Gilmore Medal for upholding the American flag after being wounded three times. Speaking at a commemorative ceremony at City Hall Thursday, Carl Cruz, a direct descendant of Carney, says he was awarded the nation's highest honor later in life.

A period-correct flag was raised in front of City Hall, marking the 150th anniversary of the battle at Fort Wagner.