The Civil War pitted Americans against one another. One stark example was John C. Black, who was born in Mississippi, but who led “The Illinois Greyhounds,” Black’s quick infantry that took on Confederate cavalry.

Like the Custers, Black and his brother William P. Black, were the one of the five sets of brothers awarded the Medal of Honor.

Make the most of your day!

–RJL

John C. Black

Citation: Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, 37th Illinois Infantry. Place and date: At Prairie Grove, Ark., 7 December 1862. Entered service at: Danville, III. Born: 27 January 1839, Lexington, Holmes County, Miss. Date of issue: 31 October 1893. Citation: Gallantly charged the position of the enemy at the head of his regiment, after 2 other regiments had been repulsed and driven down the hill, and captured a battery; was severely wounded.