the 54th became famous on july 18, 1863, when it led an attack on fort wagner near charleston, south carolina. 272 of the 600 men who charged fort wagner were "killed, wounded or captured." at this battle, colonel shaw was killed, along with 29 of his men. 24 more later died of wounds; 15 were captured; 52 were missing in action and never found; and 149 were hurt. in total, the 54th suffered 272 casualties during this battle. this was the highest number of casualties the 54th would ever see in a single battle during the war.