Decatur Dorsey

Decatur Dorsey was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War who rose to the rank of First Sergeant. Born into slavery, he enlisted in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and served during the final year of the conflict. He is best remembered for his exceptional bravery at the Battle of the Crater in 1864, where his courageous actions earned him the nation's highest military decoration.

During the Battle of the Crater, Dorsey carried the regimental colors of the 39th United States Colored Infantry. When his regiment was forced to retreat, he bravely planted the colors on the Confederate works and rallied his fellow soldiers under intense enemy fire. His leadership and valor during the assault stood out as a testament to the dedication and bravery of African American troops in the Union Army.

For his heroic actions, Dorsey was awarded the Medal of Honor, cementing his place in American military history. He survived the war and remains a prominent figure among the Civil War's United States Colored Troops heroes.