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View Full Version : 1Lt Alonzo Cushing, someone you should know



Peter1469
08-27-2014, 08:54 AM
1Lt Alonzo Cushing, someone you should know (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/08/27/civil-war-officer-to-receive-medal-honor-151-years-after-death-at-gettysburg/)

150 years after the fact, an officer killed at the Battle of Gettysburg will be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.


Cushing was born in 1841 in Delafield, Wisconsin, raised in Fredonia, New York, and buried at his alma mater, West Point. At Gettysburg, he commanded about 110 men and six cannons as part of Battery A of the 4th U.S. Artillery company.


During the battle, Cushing's small force stood their ground under a severe artillery bombardment as nearly 13,000 Confederate infantrymen waited to advance as part of Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863. Cushing was wounded, and his battery was left with two guns and no long-range ammunition. Historians say his stricken battery should have been withdrawn and replaced with reserve forces, but Cushing insisted on ordering his guns to the front lines on the last day of fighting. He was shot in the head and killed instantly.


"Refusing to evacuate to the rear despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his lone field piece continuing to fire in the face of the enemy," the White House said in its announcement. "With the rebels 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 Confederate assault."

PolWatch
08-27-2014, 08:58 AM
I'll print this and make sure my husband gets to see it...he loves Civil War history!