BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY Charles Veale or Veal was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.
Biography
Veale joined the Army in Portsmouth, Virginia, and by September 29, 1864, he was serving as a private in Company D of the 4th Regiment United States Colored Infantry. On that day, his unit participated in a charge during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm on the outskirts of the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Among the charging soldiers was Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton, the bearer of two flags, one of which had been seized from a wounded sergeant. When Hilton himself was wounded, Veale and another soldier, Sergeant Major Christian Fleetwood, each grabbed a flag from him before the colors could touch the ground. Now carrying the blue regimental flag, Veale continued in the fight through heavy enemy fire. For their actions during the battle, Fleetwood, Hilton, and Veale were each issued the Medal of Honor just over six months later, on April 6, 1865.[1]
Charles Veale was buried in Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia.
Medal of Honor citation
Although his name is spelled Veale his name was spelled "Charles Veal" on the citation.
Rank and organization: Private, Company D, 4th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At Chapins Farm, Va., September 29, 1864. Entered service at: Portsmouth, Va. Birth: Portsmouth Va. Date of issue: April 6, 1865.
Citation:
Seized the national colors after 2 color bearers had been shot down close to the enemy's works, and bore them through the remainder of the battle.[2]
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