However, all officers were whites. Blacks could become non commissioned officers like corporals and sergeants. Many white officers took command of the regiments as a way to rise in the ranks.
USCT did a lot of guard duty, but also took part in engagements. I have been writing about the nine USCT regiments involved with the engagement at the Confederate Sugar Loaf Line south of Wilmington, N.C., in my Running the Blockade blog the last two weeks.
USCT regiments served valiantly at the Battle of the Crater (Virginia), Battle of Chaffin;'s Farm (Virginia) and Battle of Nashville (Tennessee). The 54th Massachusetts gained glory at the Battle of Fort Wagner (South Carolina).
Other USCT regiments were present when Lee's Army surrendered at Appomattox.
Seven black sailors received the Medal of Honor during the war. I wrote about one of them, Robert Blake in my January entries in my Running the Blockade: Civil War Navy blog.
--Old Secesh
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