IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 185 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Black History Month and honoring the 
outstanding contributions of African-American Medal of Honor recipients. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 24, 2009 
Mr. CASTLE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Armed Services 
RESOLUTION 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Black History Month 
and honoring the outstanding contributions of African- 
American Medal of Honor recipients. 
Whereas the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor 
in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed 
upon an individual serving in the United States Armed 
Forces; 
Whereas since its first presentation in 1863, 3,467 Medals of 
Honor have been awarded to a total of 3,448 individuals 
(there have been 19 double recipients); 
Whereas African-American service members have played vital 
roles in military operations throughout the history of our 
Nation; 
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•HRES 185 IH 
Whereas 87 African-Americans have been awarded the Medal 
of Honor for military valor; 
Whereas William Harvey Carney was an American Civil War 
soldier and the first African-American to earn the Medal 
of Honor after he risked his own life to save the Amer-
ican flag and return it from the front lines of battle, de-
spite being wounded several times as Confederate troops 
charged; 
Whereas William Harvey Carney was not presented with the 
Medal of Honor until nearly 37 years after his act of 
bravery; 
Whereas in 1993, a study commissioned by the United States 
Army described systematic racial discrimination in the 
criteria for awarding medals during World War II; 
Whereas after an exhaustive review, the study recommended 
seven African-American World War II veterans be award-
ed the Medal of Honor; 
Whereas, on January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton award-
ed the medal to these seven distinguished World War II 
veterans, at which time Vernon Joseph Baker was the 
only living recipient; 
Whereas Lieutenant Vernon Joseph Baker displayed great 
courage and valor through his actions in 1945 near 
Viareggio, Italy, when he voluntarily led a battalion ad-
vance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward 
the division objective, risking his own life above and be-
yond the call of duty; and 
Whereas African-American men and women who today serve 
in the United States Armed Forces play a critical role in 
the defense and security of our Nation: Now, therefore, 
be it 
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•HRES 185 IH 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes the significance of Black History 
Month as an important time to recognize the con-
tributions of African-Americans in our Nation’s his-
tory; and 
(2) honors the outstanding contributions of Af-
rican-American service members, including the 87 
African-Americans who have been awarded the 
Medal of Honor for military valor. 
Æ 
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