William H. Carney was an African American soldier who participated in the Civil War. His contributions were important in the Civil War because he fought in the Battle of Fort Wagner. He was also the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor. When William was fighting the Battle of Fort Wagner and he picked up the flag that had fallen and continued with it. William Carney had gotten shot several times and got injured while holding the flag but kept on walking. This was a big contribution because is shows that William supported his side and didn't back down. Carney showed his loyalty to his side when he did that, he stood up for his side. The Medal of Honor was also important itself because no other African American had received one.
