From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Green was born a slave in Anderson County and remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

Green therefore made his way to Covington  to enlist, and on September 27, 1864 was mustered into federal service as a private in  Company E of the 117th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. The regiment reported for duty at Camp Nelson until October, and from there was ordered to Baltimore, Maryland, and from there made its way to City Point, Virginia, then took positions in trenches surrounding Petersburg and Richmond until March 1865.

The regiment took part in the Battle of Hatcher's Run March 29-31, 1865 and was present for the Surrender of Petersburg on April 2. It was active in the pursuit of General Lee's army and present at Appomattox Courthouse to witness Lee's surrender on April 9.

The 117th was detailed as part of the occupation of Petersburg until June 1865,  when it was ordered to report for duty in Texas. It served at various points along the Rio Grande River until August 10, 1867, when it was mustered from Federal service.