Ep 7. Colored Heroes

In season 10 episode 7 of History Detectives, titled "Colored Heroes," the team delves into the stories of African American soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Civil War.

The first story centers around a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. The owner believes it belonged to her great-great-grandfather, who fought in the Civil War. She wants to know if the medal associated with the heirloom is authentic and if her family member truly received the Medal of Honor. The team investigates the history of the medal and traces the soldier's service to verify the legitimacy of the medal.

The second story takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania where a plaque honoring a local Medal of Honor recipient, an African American Civil War soldier, resides. The current owner is curious about the story of this hometown hero and wishes to uncover his history. The team speaks to descendants of the soldier and investigates the political climate of the time to understand the potential obstacles this soldier faced in receiving the Medal of Honor.

In the third story, a woman inherited a collection of artifacts that belonged to her father, who served in World War II. Among the items was a Medal of Honor originally awarded to a Civil War soldier. The woman wants to know how the medal made its way into her father's possession. The history detectives research the soldier and look for any connections he may have had to the woman's family.

The fourth story features a family in Texas who discovered a Medal of Honor in their grandfather's attic. The family had never heard of the soldier and wants to know his story. The team researches the soldier and uncovers a fascinating tale of bravery and sacrifice during the Civil War.

Throughout the episode, the team uncovers the often-overlooked stories of African American soldiers who served in the Civil War and received the highest honor of valor in the military. They explore the obstacles these soldiers faced in earning the Medal of Honor and celebrate their bravery and heroism.

Overall, "Colored Heroes" is a moving and insightful episode that sheds light on an important but often forgotten part of American history. Through the stories of these soldiers and their families, the episode demonstrates the power of family heirlooms to connect us to the past and the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us.