re that "this expedition, planned
and executed by colored men, under the command of a colored
non-commissioned officer, reflects credit upon the brave participants
and their leader," and "he holds up their conduct to their comrades in
arms as an example worthy of emulation."[30]

It was no uncommon occurrence throughout the Civil War for colored
non-commissioned officers to be thrown into command of their companies
by the killing or wounding of their superior officers. On many a field
of battle this happened and these colored non-commissioned officers
showed the same ability to take the initiative and accept the
responsibility, and conducted their commands just as bravely and
unfalteringly as did their successors on the firing line at La Guasima
and El Caney, or in the charge up San Juan Hill.

In the battle of New Market Heights, fought on the 29th of September,
1864, as part of a comprehensive effort to turn Lee's left flank, the
great heroism of the black soldiers, and the terrible slaughter among
them, impressed their commander, the late Major-General Butler, to his
dying day, and made him the stout champion of their rights for the
rest of his life. In that battle, to quote from the orders putting on
record the "gallant deeds of the officers and soldiers of the Army of
the James":--

"Milton M. Holland, Sergeant-Major Fifth United States
Colored Troops, commanding Company C; James H. Bronson,
First Sergeant, commanding Company D; Robert Pinn, First
Sergeant, commanding Company I, wounded; Powhatan Beaty,
First Sergeant, commanding Company G, Fifth United States
Colored Troops--all these gallant colored soldiers were left
in command, all their company officers being killed or
wounded, and led them gallantly and meritoriously through
the day. For these services they have most honorable
mention, and the commanding general will cause a special
medal to be struck in honor of these gallant soldiers."

"First Sergeant Edward Ratcliff, Company C, Thirty-eighth
United States Colored Troops, thrown into command of his
company by the death of the officer commanding, was the
first enlisted man in the enemy's works, leading his company
with great gallantry for which he has a medal."

"Sergeant Samuel Gilchrist, Company K, Thirty-sixth United
States Colored Troops, showed great bravery and gallantry in
commanding his company afte