In Virginia, three soldiers from the same regiment win the Medal of Honor in the attack on New Market Heights

Taking part in the Union attacks in Virginia around Chaffin's Farm outside Petersburg. the Sixth United States Colored Infantry Regiment were detailed to attack the CSA-held New Market Heights.  When the assault faltered, three men, white adjutant Lieutenant Nathan H. Edgerton, and two African-American sergeant- majors, Alexander Kelly and Thomas R. Hawkins raised the unit's fallen colors and rallied the effort to success.  All three men received the Medal of Honor. In all, fourteen black soldiers in the battle that day won that highest award. (By John Osborne)