Robert Gould Shaw was an American military officer best known for his leadership of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units in the Civil War. Born on October 10, 1837, in Boston, Massachusetts, he came from a prominent abolitionist family and was committed to the fight against slavery. Shaw's most notable moment came during the Battle of Fort Wagner in July 1863, where he led his troops in a courageous but ultimately unsuccessful assault. He was killed in the battle, and his leadership and sacrifice became a symbol of the bravery of African American soldiers during the war.