On This date September 30,1864- the Battle of Chapin’s Farm in Virginia

September 30, 1864 – Black soldiers given US Medal of Honor. General Ulysses S. Grant’s
soldiers attacked the Confederate defenses around Richmond, in the Battle of Chapin’s Farm,
Virginia. In spite of swampy land, felled trees, and fortifications, the men–mainly the 4thand 6th
U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)–charged ahead into withering fire. They held their position until
reinforcements arrived. Thirty men proved their valor that day and were awarded the Medal of
Honor; thirteen of them were black USCT soldiers