Existing comment:
Fighting for Freedom:
Approximately 186,000 African American soldiers -- including free blacks from the North and escaped slaves from the South -- fought in Union armies during the Civil War. Despite the hardships of segregation, discrimination, and lower pay within Union ranks and the risk of cruel treatment at the hands of Confederates, they fought bravely and won the respect of Union officers. After Union troops secured Chattanooga, units of the United States Colored Troops were raised there, including the 42nd and 44th regiments. These units participated in several battles during 1864 and 1865. |