SGM Fleetwood was born a free African-American of modest origins and rose to the call of duty to his country, earning its highest honor. SGM Fleetwood demonstrated that the African-American could serve his country in positions of great responsibility and provided a comprehensive historical account from the Revolutionary War thru the Civil War. SGM Fleetwood broke many color barriers of his time thru his patriotism, valor, and professional excellence in peacetime and in war. He served his country faithfully and without regard of the limited opportunities presented to him due to the color of his skin. He lived the Army Values and believed in the philosophy, "NCOs make it happen," well before these phrases were ever coined.

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