Alfred B. Hilton

Alfred B. Hilton (c. 1842 – October 21, 1864) was an African American Union Army soldier during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm.

Biography

Around 1842, Alfred B. Hilton was born near Hopewell Village, Maryland to Harriet and Isaac Hilton.

In 1863, Hilton enlisted with the 4th Regiment United States Colored Infantry.

Hilton died of his wounds nearly a month later, on October 21. Six months after the battle, on April 6, 1865, he was posthumously issued the Medal of Honor for his actions at Chaffin's Farm. The men who had taken the flags after he was wounded, Fleetwood and Veale, also received the medal.

Hilton is buried in Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia.

Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company H, 4th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date. At Chapins Farm, Va., September 29, 1864. Entered service at:------. Birth: Harford County, Md. Date of issue: April 6, 1865.

Citation:

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.

Legacy In 2021, a monument to Hilton is planned at the David R. Craig Park in Havre de Grace, Maryland.