Sergeant James H. Harris died #OTD in 1898. Born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland around 1828, Harris was a farmer until the #CivilWar began. Once African-Americans were allowed to serve, he enlisted in the @USArmy in 1864.

He was initially a Private in the 38th United States Colored Infantry Regiment, but was quickly promoted and was a Sergeant by September of that year when his regiment took part in the Battle of New Market Heights, VA, part of the @PetersburgSiege. ( @PetersburgNPS)

During their assault, Harris was among the first to breach the enemy line and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting. With the rest of their division, they forced the confederates to withdraw from the position. For his gallantry that day, Harris was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Harris is buried in @ArlingtonNatl Cemetery. He is also memorialized on the monument to the United States Colored Troops in his birthplace of St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

https://www.ucaconline.org/historic-monuments-and-statues.html

https://www.nps.gov/rich/learn/historyculture/harris.htm

…https://jubiloemancipationcentury.wordpress.com/tag/sgt-james-h-harris/

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/covered-glory