July 23, 2006

A Man of Honor

CHAPTER 1: Living With Ghosts

When the War of the Rebellion entered its fourth year in the early winter of 1864, Edward Ratcliff was laboring in the fields of a several-hundred-acre plantation in James City County.

July 24, 2006

A Man of Honor

CHAPTER 2: Cheesecake Cemetery

At his Gloucester home overlooking the York River, Wes Wilson emerged from his garage and walked to the edge of the water.

July 25, 2006

CHAPTER 3: Roots Found in Book's Leaves

Yvette Radcliffe worried when her son, Edward, told her that he was joining the Marines.

July 26, 2006

CHAPTER 4: Born a Slave, Bred a Soldier

Tiny rays of Virginia's radiant sun filter through the thick branches of the walnut trees towering above a two-story farmhouse in James City County.

July 27, 2006

The U.S. Colored Troops turned the Civil War's hue a dominant blue

When the Civil War began in 1861, most slaves in the South still labored in their masters' fields.

July 26, 2006

Fighting for Freedom

CHAPTER 5: 'With Great Gallantry'

Hidden in an early morning fog in September 1864, U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Edward Ratcliff pushed himself through a swamp along the James River, just south of Richmond.

July 28, 2006

CHAPTER 6: History From 2 Directions

The answer to the caller's question - which came seemingly out of the blue - was simple.

July 29, 2006

CHAPTER 7: Changing Times and a Failing Body

When U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Edward Ratcliff stepped out of his heavy wool military uniform for the last time, he was a changed man.

July 30, 2006

REUNION

CHAPTER 8: A Saga Set in Stone

Weaving slowly and carefully around tiny patches of purple flowers, Edward Radcliffe picked his way through a small grassy field inside Yorktown Naval Weapons Station.

August 6, 2006

CIVIL WAR MEDAL OF HONOR SOLDIER RECEIVES MARKER

EPILOGUE: A man's milestone

Marine Corps Cpl. Edward Radcliffe cradled the U.S. flag in his arms, holding it gently between two white-gloved hands.