As Americans’ interest in the Civil War and Reconstruction history grows, we have seen a large number of new historical markers and memorials being dedicated. The fourth dedication in just a week took place in Maryland with the unveiling of the Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Mural— “a painting by Jack Pabis on the side wall of the Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial American Legion Post 55 in Bel Air.” According to Deborah Heredia:
The mural depicts the heroism of the 4th U.S.C.T., and that of Sergeant Hilton in particular, during the battle of New Market Heights in Virginia on September 29, 1864, for which Sergeant Hilton received the Medal of Honor, the only native of Harford County to receive that honor. Post 55 hosted a wonderful ceremony attended by many people from Harford County, including a large number of elected officials.
Sgt. Hilton was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in October, 1864. When the regiment’s flag bearer was wounded, Hilton picked up the flag and led the regiment onward even though he was badly wounded himself. He died the next month.
On April 6, 1865, Sergeant Hilton was posthumously honored by the United States War Department with the Medal of Honor for “Gallantry in action as color-bearer,” with a citation that read:
According to the 1865 citation given with the Medal of Honor: “When the regimental color bearer fell, this soldier seized the color and carried it forward, together with the national standard until disabled at the enemy’s inner line.”
Hilton’s grave at Hampton National Cemetery.
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