Gettysburg hero’s family to receive Medal of Honor
The surviving family of First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing will be presented with the Medal of Honor at the White House next week for the lieutenant’s actions on the last day of the Battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in the face of the famous Pickett’s Charge, according to the Stars & Stripes.
Though he and many of his men were wounded in the Confederate bombardment, Cushing refused to retreat, instead manning the last remaining cannon in his battery. He continued to fire and direct fire until he was shot and killed, and his actions made it possible for the Union Army to successfully repel the assault, according to the White House.
From the White House;
First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving as commanding officer of Battery A, 4th United States Artillery, Artillery Brigade, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac during combat operations in the vicinity of Cemetery Ridge, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1863.
During Longstreet’s Assault, also known as Pickett’s Charge, First Lieutenant Cushing’s battery took a severe pounding by Confederate artillery. As the Confederate Forces advanced, he manned the only remaining, and serviceable, field piece in his battery. During the advance, he was wounded in the abdomen as well as in the right shoulder. Refusing to evacuate to the rear despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his lone field piece continuing to fire. With the Confederate Forces within 100 yards of his position, Cushing was shot and killed during this heroic stand. His actions made it possible for the Union Army to successfully repulse the assault.
Category: Real Soldiers
This dude’s balls must have made a clicking sound when he walked.
That’s probably why he didn’t leave the field – it would have taken four regular men to carry him.
bahaha
Jonn…Here-Here!
Especially when you read about the details of his wounds:
He was wounded three times. First, a shell fragment went straight through his shoulder. He was then grievously wounded by a shell fragment which tore into his abdomen and groin. This wound exposed Cushing’s intestines, which he held in place with his hand as he continued to command his battery. After these injuries a higher-ranking officer said, “Cushing, go to the rear.” Cushing, due to the limited number of men left, refused to fall back. The severity of his wounds left him unable to yell his orders above the sounds of battle. Thus, he was held aloft by his 1st Sergeant Frederick Füger, who faithfully passed on Cushing’s commands. Cushing was killed when a bullet entered his mouth and exited through the back of his skull. He died on the field at the height of the assault.[6]
Well-deserved honor and should have happened a LONG time ago.
I wonder if the government will present the old style Medal of Honor to the family or the modern one.
Anyway-it is a perfectly well deserved honor. As I have said before his brother, LT Will Cushing USN (also known as “Lincoln’s commando”), is also deserving of the same honor. He had many exploits, but his actions in the sinking of the CSS Albemarle should have gotten him the MOH.
Same last name … related?
Also, the old style would be a GREAT touch, but I suspect that is not going to happen with the current administration.
That would require a love and appreciation that they simply do not have. Alas …
Says right there: “His brother LT Will Cushing”
I’ll be dipped in smelly stuff. Not sure how I missed that. Thanks.
Thanks 68W58. I am grateful for everything I learn here. A fascinating life. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_B._Cushing
Noting for the record that he probably deserved this, especially by the standards of the time – why now? There were what, 63 other MoH awarded at that battle, many to other artillery folks, so it’s not like arty was passed over. What makes this an issue 150+ years after the fact? Just curious.
From Wikipedia:
Cushing has been nominated for a belated award of the Medal of Honor, beginning with a letter campaign in the late 1980s by constituents of Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin. The measure has been also been advocated by Congressman Ron Kind of Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district. [2] In 2002, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin nominated Cushing for the Medal of Honor, and, following a lengthy investigation, the U.S. Army approved the nomination in February 2010. In order for the medal to be awarded, it had to be approved by the United States Congress.[8] It was announced on May 20, 2010 that Cushing would receive the Medal of Honor, 147 years after his death.[9] However, the provision granting Cushing the Medal of Honor was removed from a defense spending bill by Senator Jim Webb of Virginia in December of 2012.[10] Finally, in December of 2013, the Senate passed a defense bill that included a provision which granted Cushing the Medal of Honor. The nomination was sent for review by the Defense Department, before being approved by President Barack Obama.[2] On August 26, 2014, the White House announced Cushing would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
His actions were interesting and heroic… however, it still feels ‘off’ that 130 years after the fact a letter writing campaign kicks everything into high gear? Kind of like TR’s…I don’t dispute the bravery but the politics don’t pass the smell test. Maybe I am too cynical.
Well, it certainly took them long enough.
Although I don’t wish to detract from a hero’s honour, I do want to know what took them 150 years to get this done.
Better late than never.
The guy was screwed over. If Mary Walker ( the only female to win the MOH)had her medal rescinded, then re-awarded because of the actions of feminists. Lt Cushing should be honored.
Cushing’s heroism is unquestioned, but I get a funny feeling whenever I read of Civil War battle accounts. These were, after all, Americans killing Americans. The heroic acts of those on the losing side cannot be officially acknowledged. I understand that. To the victors belong the spoils. Just the same, I get a funny feeling.
,,,Well, FWIW there WAS a CSA MOH, but it was never awarded by the CSA itself. It was re-established by the Sons Of Confederate Veterans in the 60’s.
http://scscv.com/confederate-past-and-present/confederate-medal-of-honor-recipients/
Mike