The Daily Plant : Monday, February 6, 2006 A Closer Look Last
week, The Plant detailed various sculptures across New York City
that have been crafted in honor of the African American
experience. Today, we look at parks named for the lesser known
African American women and men who have called New York City
home. In the Bronx, Charlton Garden honors the heroism of Korean
War hero Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton. Sergeant Charlton was
awarded a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor
posthumously for his actions in battle; when his platoon
commander was seriously wounded during an assault, Charlton
assumed command of the platoon, rallied the men, and re-launched
the attack. Though his platoon suffered heavy casualties, he
launched a second and third attack until the enemy position was
completely destroyed. Charlton received both awards while the
American military was still partially segregated, and was barred
from burial in Arlington National Cemetery because he was
African-American. In 1989, the Medal