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Buckeye Guard - 2024 Freedom to Serve

Buckeye Guard

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 in 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 who earned the award during the American Civil War. (U.S. National Guard video by Staff Sgts. Thomas Moeger and Jillian Maynus, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)