Black Service in the Civil War-- Part 2: 175 Regiments USCT, 20% of Union Navy

Existing volunteer black units  were converted into the United States Colored troops (USCT).  By the end of the conflict, there were 175 regiments of USCT, containing 178,000 enlisted soldiers making up approximately 10% of the Union Army.

Sixteen USCT soldiers earned the nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

In addition, more than 18,000 black men and 3 women served in the U.S. Navy.  That number comprised  20% of all sailors in the war.

Black regiments were formed  in every Union state.  While mostly made up of black soldiers, other minorities  served including Indians and Asians.

--Old Secesh