b. 08/02/1835 James City, Virginia. d. 10/03/1915 Nelson, Virginia.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 29/09/1864 Chapin’s Farm, Virginia.
Born as a slave, he was freed when the Union Army took Yorktown. By September 29, 1864, Ratcliff was serving as a first sergeant in Company C of the 38th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. On that day, his unit participated in the Battle of Chaffin’s (Chapin’s) Farm in Virginia, and it was for his actions during the battle that he was awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on April 6, 1865.
MOH CITATION:
Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed; was the first enlisted man to enter the enemy’s works.
BURIAL LOCATION: CHESCAKE NAVAL STATION CEMETERY, LACKEY, VIRGINIA.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
