Talk:Wilson Brown (Medal of Honor)

The Natchez Democrat article
Memorial project to honor Natchez man Devonte Demby, The Natchez Democrat 9:21 p.m. CST December 28, 2014 Natchez mug.jpg (Photo: Illustration special to The Clarion-Ledger) NATCHEZ – Courage, valor and strength are just some of the words to describe the late Wilson Brown.

Brown, who is the only Medal of Honor recipient of more than 8,000 veterans buried in the Natchez National Cemetery, will have his story told through a memorial project.

Brown was an enslaved African American who sought freedom by jumping into the Mississippi River, which would later lead him to fighting for the United States.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor for battlefield valor. Recommendations for a Medal of Honor normally must be made within two years of an act of heroism, and the medal presented within three.

The Natchez Association for the Preservation of AfroAmerican Culture Director Darrell White and Home With Heroes Foundation President Mark LaFrancis seek to create a lasting memorial in Brown’s honor, while also writing a book and creating a documentary.

“The life experiences and achievements of Wilson Brown were phenomenal, by any measure,” White said. “To exhibit the qualities to take him from slavery to bravery, and his service to the nation, regardless of race, to prove his worth and be acknowledged and recognized by our government with the Medal of Honor.”

White said the book is in the developmental stages and will enable future generations to better understand the elements of the nation’s history that haven’t been told.

“It’s outstanding,” White said. “We are trying to bring the triumphs of yesterday to the attention of today’s audiences.”

The Adams County Board of Supervisors granted NAPAC and Home with Heroes $500 to kick off their fundraising efforts for Brown’s legacy.

An African American — who was once enslaved on a plantation near Natchez — Brown saw his chance for freedom when union gunships patrolled the Mississippi River, said board of supervisors President Darryl Grennell.

“Brown jumped into the treacherous waters and swam to one of the gunships, The USS Hartford, in the fleet of Admiral Farragut,” Grennell said. “The union officers were so impressed with (Brown’s) courage and abilities, they sent him to naval training, after which he was assigned to the Hartford, which later was engaged in the Battle of Mobile Bay (Aug. 5, 1864), the last amphibious battle of the Civil War.

“(Brown) was so heroic in that battle he was selected to receive the Medal of Honor, which was established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. (Brown) was one of the only two men to earn the Medal of Honor in that battle.”

Brown lived a quiet life in Natchez, his peers unaware of his participation or honor in the Civil War.

Brown died in 1990 at the age of 59 and was interred in the National Cemetery of Natchez. It wasn’t until December 1956 that he was recognized as a Medal of Honor recipient.

“When I heard the story of Wilson Brown, I couldn’t believe what I was listening to,” LaFrancis said. “Brown must have had an incredible amount of courage to flee the plantation and risk his life by jumping into the Mississippi River. Then he risked his life again aboard the USS Hartford.”

LaFrancis said he was humbled upon visiting Brown’s grave.

“When we founded Home With Heroes to honor and help veterans and their loved ones, I never imagined we’d be selecting a veteran of the Civil War, and a former slave as well,” LaFrancis said.

12.130.197.96 (talk) 22:48, 29 December 2014 (UTC)