Attack by 54th Massachusetts unit observed in SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — An ill-fated attack by black Union troops which was portrayed in the movies has come to life through re-enactors in Charleston.

The re-enactors paid tribute Wednesday to the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry on the anniversary of its attack on Confederate Battery Wagner, which was portrayed in the movie “Glory.” They stood on the shore of Morris Island on Charleston Harbor to mark the 149th anniversary of the 1863 attack by black Union soldiers.

Of the 600 troops who charged the battery, 281 were killed, wounded or captured.

During the ceremony, a color guard carried a wreath about 100 yards from the shore and placed it atop a sand dune, and rifles were fired in salute.

Each year, re-enactors go to the island, although the battery has long been washed away.