OH SR219

Honors 511 African-American Ohioans who enlisted in the 54th and 55th Regiments of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry between April and June 1863 during the Civil War.

African-American men were not permitted to enlist in Ohio's military units until June 1863, requiring these soldiers to serve in Massachusetts regiments instead.

The 54th Regiment soldiers served in South Carolina (Assault on Fort Wagner, Battle of Honey Hill, Battle of Boykin's Mills) and Florida (Battle of Oolustee); the 55th Regiment served in South Carolina at Folly Island and Battle of Honey Hill.

Recognizes Corporal Henry F. Peal of Oberlin, Ohio, who received the Gillmore Medal for bravery in carrying the flag during the Assault on Fort Wagner while serving with the 54th Regiment.

Directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to Ohio news media.