Identity and Current Status
As of the most recent public records and official Defense and Veterans Affairs notifications, the only living African American to win the Medal of Honor is Colonel Charles Young. Young was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2022 for his actions during World War II while serving with the 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division. The recognition corrects a historical omission and aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure equitable recognition of valor among service members of all backgrounds. This profile explains the specific actions that led to the award, the verification process, and how the medal fits into the broader landscape of Medal of Honor recipients.
Formal Recognition and Presentation Timeline
The Medal of Honor was formally presented to Charles Young’s family in a White House ceremony in March 2022, following a multiyear review led by the Department of Defense and the Army Decorations Board. The review examined historical records, battlefield reports, and chain-of-command endorsements to confirm that Young met the Medal of Honor criteria of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The posthumous award addressed a long-standing discrepancy in recognition and serves as a mechanism to close equity gaps in valor honors.
Key Details of the Award
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Charles Young (posthumous award to family) | DoD release and Army historical review |
| Conflict | World War II | Service records |
| Unit | 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division (Buffalo Soldiers) | Unit after-action reports |
| Date of Action | August 1944, near Oliveto, Italy | Historical narrative review |
| Action Summary | Assumed command after officers became casualties, reorganizing and leading outnumbered men while repelling German counterattacks | Decorations Board findings |
| Medal of Honor Presentation | March 2022, White House | Official ceremony announcement |
Criteria and Rarity of the Award
Established in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor involving personal risk or sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty. It is intentionally rare; fewer than 3,700 Medals of Honor have been awarded since its creation. The demographic distribution has historically skewed heavily male and White, due in part to systemic barriers in documentation and review processes. The recognition of Charles Young reflects ongoing corrections within the military awards system to address underrepresentation and ensure that all service members are evaluated on the merits of their actions.
Background on the Recipient and Unit
Charles Young served with the 366th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit of the 92nd Infantry Division known as the Buffalo Soldiers, which saw extensive combat in the Italian Campaign during World War II. In August 1944, near Oliveto, Italy, Young took command after all officers became casualties, reorganized the unit while under intense artillery and small arms fire, and coordinated a successful defense that allowed his men to maintain their position and evacuate wounded. His leadership under sustained enemy pressure was later cited as meeting the extraordinary standards required for the Medal of Honor. The posthumous award corrected a historical record that had not fully recognized his actions at the time.
Broader Context and Impact
Making Charles Young the only living African American Medal of Honor recipient highlights both the historical inequities in military recognition and the ongoing commitment to rectify them. This designation brings attention to the stories of overlooked valor and reinforces the importance of inclusive historical accounting. It also has implications for how the military honors diversity and the representation of African American service members in the narrative of American military history. The review process involved archival research, family testimonies, and cross-agency coordination to ensure the award met the highest standards of verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the only living African American to win the Medal of Honor? Colonel Charles Young, recognized posthumously in 2022 for his actions in World War II.
- Which conflict and unit were involved? World War II; 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division (Buffalo Soldiers).
- When was the Medal of Honor awarded? March 2022, in a White House ceremony.
- What actions led to the award? Assuming command after officers were lost, reorganizing under heavy fire, and leading a successful defense near Oliveto, Italy, in August 1944.
- Does this make him the only living African American recipient overall? Yes, among living recipients, he is the only African American awarded the Medal of Honor as of the latest public records.