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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