Hero of the Week 115

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This week's hero is...

Dr. William Blackwood 

William Robert Douglas Blackwood was born on May 12, 1838, in Hollywood, Ireland. Most of his early life is not known. However, in the year 1850, Blackwood decided to immigrate to the United States of America. Nine years later, he enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Medical School with the intention of becoming a surgeon. Although he successfully completed his studies by 1861, he put graduation on hold when the US was plunged into a Civil War. It would be in combat that his medical skills would be put to the test.

William Blackwood enlisted in the Union Army as a medical cadet. For the next two years, he served as the assistant surgeon to the 149th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. In 1863, he was transferred to the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. He saw heavy combat during Grant's Overland Campaign in 1864. During the Siege of Petersburg, Blackwood treated thousands of wounded soldiers (saving many lives). He was cited for peronal bravery during the Battle of the Crater, (where his regiment suffered severe casualties). However, his defining moment would come during the final assault on Petersburg. 

April 2, 1865, was the day that would officially end the longest siege on American soil. That day, the 48th was directed to spearhead the assault on the Confederate fortification at Fort Mahone. They launched their attack early in the morning. What followed was a deadly series of attacks and counter attacks that caused severe casualties on both sides. Finally during the night of April 2, the Confederates retreated and Fort Mahone was taken.

During the assault, Assistant Surgeon William Blackwood ran through the gauntlet of enemy fire to aid wounded comrades. He carried dozens of wounded men from the battlefield. He continued to do this even after being shot at numerous times. He is believed to have saved at least twenty men from dying on the field. He was mustered out of the army on July 17, 1865. Thirty-two years later, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor during the final assault on Petersburg. After the war Blackwood continued to work as a doctor and was active in helping disabled veterans. He died on April 26, 1922. 

It should be noted that in the present day, the service and valor of soldiers who served in the US military are not as well-known as many people believe. Outside of the military, there are very few people who know the stories of men like William Blackwood. Like so many before and after him, he fought with great courage and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. And like so many others, his story has faded into distant memory. Despite all the time that has passed, these stories still have great value. Blackwood's is one that demonstrates the very best in the American soldier. He should be seen as an inspiration to all who read about him. 

https://peoplepill.com/people/william-r-d-blackwood

https://archives.upenn.edu/exhibits/penn-people/biography/william-robert-douglas-blackwood

https://48thpennsylvania.blogspot.com/2012/02/profiles-surgeon-william-rd-blackwood.html

https://emergingcivilwar.com/2017/10/13/mapping-the-attack-on-fort-mahone-april-2-1865/