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

Richard Walkerson was born a slave in Anderson County about 1839. At some point prior to the Civil War, Richard was taken from his native county to a place further south, where he remained a slave. However, in early 1863, the government called for the enlistment of Colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom. Almost immediately after this proclamation, the Federal government called for the enlistment of Colored regiments.

Therefore, on August 18, 1863, Richard Walkerson volunteered for service and was mustered in at Natchez, Mississippi as a private in Company E of the 2nd Regiment of Mississippi U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery. Later, the unit was re-designated as the 6th Regiment of the U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery, organized at Natchez, Mississippi on September 12, 1863.

The regiment was involved in a skirmish near Vidalia, Louisiana on July 22, 1864 and the attack on the  Steamer "Clara Bell" July 24, 1864.

It was also part of the expedition from Natchez to Gillespie's Plantation in Louisiana August 4-6, 1864, the expedition from Natchez to Buck's Ferry and the skirmish there September 19-22, 1864, the expedition from Natchez to Waterproof and Sicily Island September 26-30, 1864, the expedition from Natchez to Homichitto River October 5-8, 1864, the expedition from Vidalia to York Plantation, Louisiana  October 26-27, 1864, and the  skirmish at Black River October 31 and November 1, 1864.

Walkerson was mustered out May 18, 1866.