FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 9, 2017
MDTA DEDICATES MD 22 BRIDGE OVER I-95 TO
HARFORD COUNTY CIVIL WAR VETERAN
Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton & Family Honored Today During Ceremony
HAVRE DE GRACE, MD - Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) joined elected officials, American Legion representatives, family members and others to dedicate the MD 22 bridge over I-95 to Civil War veteran Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton, Harford County's only Medal of Honor recipient.
"In a time when sacrifices are often forgotten, I am humbled by the opportunity to stand here today to honor a true American hero," said Maryland Transportation Deputy Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. "His charge into battle and the sacrifice that he made will be forever memorialized for all to see."
The dedication was held at Alfred B. Hilton Park in Havre de Grace, a site near where Sgt. Hilton lived on his father's farm. He was born in Harford County in 1842.
"Sgt. Hilton's story is a fascinating and shining example of Maryland's finest," said MDTA Executive Director Kevin C. Reigrut. "What an honor it is to share his legacy and his story of bravery."
Sgt. Hilton enlisted in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War at 21-years old. He was assigned to Company H, 4th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after succumbing to injuries sustained at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm outside of Richmond, Va.
On September 29, 1864, Sgt. Hilton was a member of his unit's color guard carrying the American Flag into battle. When the regimental color bearer was wounded, he carried the regimental colors as well. Sgt. Hilton carried both flags until he was severely wounded. He is buried in Hampton, Va.
Sgt. Hilton is one of 16 African American Union Army soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for their service in the Civil War. The posthumous citation for his Medal of Honor reads: "When the regimental color fell, this soldier seized the color and carried it forward, together with the national standard until disabled at the enemy's inner line.
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