Final answer:
Robert Smalls secured his status as a war hero by continuing to serve the Union Navy after his famed commandeering of a Confederate ship, contributing to significant victories and demonstrating the bravery of African American soldiers in numerous battles and skirmishes.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Civil War, Robert Smalls played a significant role in reinforcing his reputation as a war hero, beyond his famous act of commandeering a Confederate transport ship in 1862. After this event, Smalls continued to serve the Union cause with distinction. He was involved in several military engagements, using his intimate knowledge of Southern waterways to aid the Union Navy.
Smalls fought valiantly in numerous battles where black soldiers proved their bravery and effectiveness, contributing to the Union's victory in the Civil War. His actions, along with those of other African American soldiers, helped to dispel the myth of black men as docile and cowardly in battle. Black troops fought in more than 400 battles and skirmishes, and Smalls' continued military service exemplified their courage and determination.
These soldiers' participation in the war laid the groundwork for claims to citizenship and equality. Smalls' heroism was not just about securing victory in battle but also about fighting for the rights and recognition of African Americans. His story is one emblematic of the broader struggle for equality and the valor of African American soldiers during the Civil War.