The result of the attack on for the Wagner by the 54th Massachusetts regiment showed that African Americans

The result of the attack on for the Fort Wagner by the 54th Massachusetts regiment showed that African Americans had the courage to fight. They were the first major American military units that were made up of black soldiers.

Muskets and cannons blazed through a veil of smoke and blowing sand. Hand grenades showered down as the 54th charged. As artillery shredded the regiment, Shaw shouted, "Onward, boys!" The Union force climbed the earthen ramparts, and fierce hand-to-hand fighting ensued. As soon as Shaw reached the crest of the parapet, though, he was struck by bullets and mortally wounded.