Freedom to Serve Episode 1: 5th United States Colored Troops

The 127th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized by Ohio Gov. David Tod in the summer of 1863 at Camp Delaware, Ohio. When the War Department authorized the enlistment of Black Soldiers into the Union Army, the regiment was redesignated as the 5th United States Colored Troops. At the Battle of New Market Heights, Va., on Sept. 28, 1864, four members of the 5th USCT earned the Medal of Honor for taking command of their companies after all officers were killed or wounded. These four were among 16 Black Soldiers to earn the award during the American Civil War. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Thomas Moeger, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)