One of the true characters and adventuresome souls on the Union side during the Civil War was the brother of Alonzo Cushing who won a medal of honor and lost his life at Gettysburg. That would be William Cushing.
The H Net did a book review on the 2004 "Cushing Civil War Seal" by Brassey's Military Profiles. I'm not sure who wrote it, but the reviewer was impressed with it overall, other than calling him a Civil War Seal.
Cushing had more courage than most naval personnel even though he came from Wisconsin and did not have a seafaring background. He was appointed to the US Naval Academy in 1857, but was forced to resign before graduation. However, the Union's need for officers at the outbreak of the war gave him his commission.
He had a flair for special operations, the most famous of which was the sinking of the Confederate ram Albemarle October 27, 1864. He also participated in the naval land attack on Fort Fisher, NC, on January 15, 1865.
The book mentioned that his impetuosity sometimes bordered on insubordination.
One of the Great Union Naval Officers. --B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
