Alonzo Cushing Was Last Gettysburg Medal of Honor Recipient in 2014

Same source as last post.

When Pickett's Charge finally reached the famed "copse of trees" on Cemetery Ridge, Union canister continued blowing holes in their ranks.  1st Lt. Alonzo Cushing commanded one of the Federal batteries there.

He received a severe abdomen wound and two of his guns were knocked out.  Even so, he refused to be taken off the field and kept his men firing at the advancing Confederates.  Later, he was hit in the mouth by a Minie ball bullet and was killed.

One hundred and fifty-one years after the battle, he would receive his Medal of Honor from President Obama.

Personally, I think that Alonzo Cushing's brother, Navy Lt. William Cushing should also receive one for his daring deeds, including sinking the feared Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle with a small steam launch.

--Old Secesh

Becoming Federal Law: National Vietnam War Veterans Day

On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.  The proclamation  called "upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War."

On December 26, 2016,  the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of State  Council presented a letter to President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of cause to  establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first legislations passed and signed into law during the 115th Congress.

On March 28, 2017,  President Trump  signed the Vietnam  War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017.  This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  The Act also includes the day among days on which the U.S. flag should be officially displayed.

North Grove School in Sycamore-- Part 3: Certificate From Pres. Obama to Henry Beard in School

There is also a certificate hanging in the school from President Barack Obama which reads:

"The United States of America honors the memory of Henry Beard.

This certificate awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States,

"Barack Obama
President of the United States"

--Old Secesh

Gettysburg Hero Finally Awarded Medal of Honor-- Part 1

From the November 7, 2014, Chicago Tribune by Angela Greiling Keane, Bloomberg News.

Wisconsin lawmakers began pushing for it thirty years ago for a Medal of Honor for a soldier who died 151 years ago, 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing.  he finally received it.

Cushing was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania on the climatic final day of the battle, July 3, 1863, and at the climatic point during Pickett's Charge.  He was 22 years old.

The fight, along with the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi the following day were pivotal victories for the Union Army during the Civil War.

While presenting it, President Barack Obama said, "This medal is a reminder that, no matter how long it takes, it is never too late to do the right thing," as he bestowed the nation's highest military honor on Cushing at a White House ceremony on November 6th,

--Old Secesh

Back in 2013, Effort Was On for Medal of Honor for Alonzo Cushing-- Part 1

From the December 13, 2013, Seattle Pilot "Wisconsin Civil War Soldier could receive medal" by Dinesch Rande, AP.

As we now know, Cushing will be receiving his medal.  Now, an effort needs to be made for his brother, William Cushing, to receive one as well.

Descendants and Civil War buffs are pushing for First Lt. Alonzo Cushing of Delafield, Wisconsin, to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor.  But, timing is a problem as under current regulations, the recommendation for a Medal of Honor must be made within two years of the heroic event and must be awarded within three years.

Lt. Cushing's heroics took place over 150 years ago at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Friday, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive defense bill that included an exemption for Cushing and that bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.

After that, the steps to the honor will have to commence.

--Old Secesh