The National Archive has estimated that about 30,000 black soldiers died
during the war, almost entirely from disease since black troops weren't used in
battle for the most part. They were predominantly used as carpenters,
chaplains, cooks, guards, laborers, nurses, scouts, spies, steamboat pilots,
surgeons, teamsters, and entertainers but weren't regarded as fit for combat.
Moreover, most instances of black troops used in combat resulted in disaster. 16
black soldiers were issued the Medal of Honor after the war, mostly based on
politics rather than being earned in action
Basil Forest
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