William P. Black

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William Perkins Black
November 11, 1842(1842-11-11) – January 3, 1916 (aged 73)

William P. Black
Place of birth Lexington, Mississippi
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch Union Army
Rank Private
Unit 11th Indiana Volunteers
Battles/wars Battle of Pea Ridge
Awards Medal of Honor

William Perkins Black (11 November 1842–3 January 1916) was a lawyer and veteran of the American Civil War. He received America's highest military decoration - the Medal of Honor - for his actions at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, in 1862.

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[edit] Biography

He was the brother of John C. Black, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, who was also a Medal of Honor recipient. The Black brothers are one of only five pairs of brothers to have received the Medal of Honor. As a lawyer, William was best known for having served as defense counsel to the people charged with inciting the Haymarket Riot of 1886.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Captain, Company K, 37th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Pea Ridge, Ark., 7 March 1862. Entered service at: Danville, Ill. Born: 11 November 1842, Woodford, Ky. Date of issue: 2 October 1893.

Citation:

Single-handedly confronted the enemy, firing a rifle at them and thus checking their advance within 100 yards of the lines.

[edit] See also

United States Army Portal

[edit] References

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