Christian Abraham Fleetwood

He Saved the Colors Under Fire at New Market Heights

Christian Abraham Fleetwood was a Union Army soldier, educator, editor, and Medal of Honor recipient whose courage during the American Civil War became part of the distinguished history of the United States Colored Troops. Serving as Sergeant Major of the 4th United States Colored Infantry, Fleetwood saved the American flag after members of his regiment's color guard had been shot down during the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia, on September 29, 1864. His bravery under intense Confederate fire earned him the Medal of Honor on April 6, 1865.

Fleetwood was born on July 21, 1840, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Charles and Anna Maria Fleetwood, both free African Americans. He grew up in a society in which slavery remained legal in Maryland and educational opportunities for Black Americans were restricted.

He received his early education through the household of John C. Brune, a Baltimore merchant. He later continued his studies while associated with the Maryland Colonization Society, whose activities included promoting African American settlement in Liberia.

Fleetwood traveled to Liberia and Sierra Leone before completing his education at the Ashmun Institute in Pennsylvania, later renamed Lincoln University. He graduated in 1860.

Following his education, Fleetwood became involved in journalism. He helped publish the Lyceum Observer in Baltimore, an early African American newspaper in a border slave state.

His educational background and experience in publishing formed an important part of his life before military service.

The American Civil War began in April 1861, but the Union Army did not initially offer Black men the same opportunities for military enlistment as white soldiers. Federal policy changed during the conflict, and the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, helped open the way for African American military service.

On August 11, 1863, Fleetwood enlisted in Company G of the 4th United States Colored Infantry. He entered service as a Sergeant and was promoted to Sergeant Major on August 19, only eight days later.

As Sergeant Major, Fleetwood held a senior noncommissioned officer position within the regiment. His responsibilities included assisting with discipline, organization, and the coordination of enlisted personnel.

The 4th United States Colored Infantry served in Union military operations in Virginia and North Carolina. Its soldiers participated in campaigns against Confederate forces while also demonstrating the military contributions of African American troops fighting for the Union.

During 1864, the regiment became involved in the Richmond–Petersburg Campaign, a prolonged series of Union operations against Confederate defenses surrounding two strategically important Virginia cities.

The regiment participated in fighting around Petersburg and later joined Union operations north of the James River.

On September 29, 1864, Union forces attacked Confederate defenses at New Market Heights, near Richmond, Virginia. The engagement formed part of the larger Battle of Chaffin's Farm.

The attacking force included the 4th and 6th United States Colored Infantry regiments, whose soldiers faced entrenched Confederate troops defending fortified positions.

The battlefield presented considerable obstacles. Confederate defenders occupied strong positions behind earthworks, while the advancing Union troops had to cross exposed ground under heavy fire.

Fleetwood served as Sergeant Major of the 4th United States Colored Infantry during the assault.

As the regiment prepared to advance, Fleetwood was responsible for supervising the left portion of its attacking formation.

The Union soldiers moved toward the Confederate defenses while enemy rifle and artillery fire swept across the field.

The regiment suffered severe casualties as the attack continued. The color guard, whose duty was to protect and carry the regiment's flags, was especially exposed during the advance.

Battle flags were essential symbols of military identity and organization. They helped soldiers maintain their positions and recognize their unit amid the smoke and confusion of combat.

As casualties mounted, members of the 4th Infantry's color guard were killed or wounded.

Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton, who was carrying one flag, took possession of another after its bearer fell. Hilton was then wounded himself, placing both flags in danger of being lost.

Fleetwood and fellow soldier Charles Veale moved forward to recover the colors.

Fleetwood seized the United States flag while Veale secured the other standard.

Despite the intense Confederate fire, Fleetwood continued carrying the national colors during the engagement.

His action preserved the flag at a moment when the regiment had suffered devastating losses among the men assigned to protect it.

Fleetwood's own account described the heavy casualties sustained by the color guard. Of the twelve men who entered the charge as part of that group, only one was able to leave the battlefield on his own feet.

The assault initially failed to overcome the Confederate defenses. As the surviving soldiers withdrew toward the reserve position, Fleetwood continued carrying the flag and used it to help rally the men.

His actions maintained an important symbol of the regiment's identity during a period of confusion and danger.

The official Medal of Honor citation recognized Fleetwood for seizing the colors after two color bearers had been shot down and carrying them throughout the fighting.

His conduct was an act of personal bravery performed during a battle in which the 4th United States Colored Infantry suffered exceptionally heavy casualties.

The broader Union operation at New Market Heights ultimately succeeded in overcoming the Confederate position. The battle became an important event in the history of African American military service during the Civil War.

Several soldiers of the United States Colored Troops received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the engagement, including Fleetwood, Alfred B. Hilton, and Charles Veale of the 4th Infantry.

On April 6, 1865, Christian Abraham Fleetwood was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage during the September 29, 1864, battle.

His recognition came during the final days of the American Civil War, shortly before the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House.

Fleetwood's bravery also attracted the attention of officers within his regiment. They supported his appointment to a commissioned officer's position, but the recommendation did not result in a regular Army commission.

He continued serving as Sergeant Major and remained with the 4th United States Colored Infantry after the war's major fighting had ended.

Fleetwood received an honorable discharge on May 4, 1866, concluding nearly three years of Union military service.

Following the Civil War, he returned to civilian employment and continued working in positions that reflected his education and organizational abilities.

He worked as a bookkeeper in Columbus, Ohio, before settling in Washington, D.C. His later employment included positions connected with the Freedmen's Bank and the War Department.

Fleetwood remained active in public and community life. He became involved in organizations devoted to education, military training, and the advancement of African Americans in the nation's capital.

During the 1880s, he organized and commanded an African American battalion of the District of Columbia National Guard.

He attained the rank of Major in that organization, a later military appointment distinct from his wartime service as Sergeant Major in the United States Army.

Fleetwood also helped organize the Washington High School Cadet Corps, supporting structured military training and leadership opportunities for African American students.

His involvement in these organizations continued the leadership role he had demonstrated during the Civil War.

Music was another important part of Fleetwood's life. He participated in Washington's musical community and served as a choirmaster in several churches.

His activities in education, public service, military organizations, and music made him a prominent figure in Washington's African American community during the decades following the war.

Fleetwood married Sarah Iredell, and the couple established their home in Washington, D.C. Their family life continued alongside his professional and community activities.

Christian Abraham Fleetwood died on September 28, 1914, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 74.

His funeral took place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, with military honors recognizing his distinguished service.

He was originally buried at Columbian Harmony Cemetery in Washington. Following the cemetery's closure, his remains were relocated to National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover, Maryland.

Fleetwood's Medal of Honor is preserved in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, providing a lasting physical connection to his wartime bravery.

His legacy extends beyond the moment when he rescued the national colors at New Market Heights. As an educated African American who served in the Union Army, received the Medal of Honor, and later contributed to public service and military education, Fleetwood occupied an important place in nineteenth-century American history.

Yet the defining act of his military career remains September 29, 1864, when he stepped forward under Confederate fire to save the United States flag after the regiment's color bearers had fallen.

His actions demonstrated courage and leadership during one of the most costly engagements involving the United States Colored Troops.

Christian Abraham Fleetwood remains remembered as a Medal of Honor recipient whose bravery at New Market Heights, military leadership, and contributions to his community established an enduring legacy of service.