Alonzo Cushing Gets Recognition Many Years Later

[Jantzen]

I returned from a business trip and was catching up on the news to see this one. The article sets forth how this was the mission of one woman. Having spent my share of time around the Angle, I am always in awe of what Cushing did, but I do wonder at the timing of this, as well as the many others who gave "the last full measure" at that place and time. Food for thought.


http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/u...vil-war-hero-150-years-in-the-grave.html?_r=0

 

[nitrofd]

Nice article for the N.Y.Times.interesting that the author notes that it is first medal a black president gave to a A.C.W. soldier.

 

[Jantzen]

Nice article for the N.Y.Times.interesting that the author notes that it is first medal a black president gave to a A.C.W. soldier.

Now, I need to read up on how individuals get nominated for the Medal. Do you know if the Confederacy granted any type of medals?

 

[Nathanb1]

Now, I need to read up on how individuals get nominated for the Medal. Do you know if the Confederacy granted any type of medals?

Only in one case--that of the Davis Guards led by Dick Dowling at the Battle of Sabine Pass. Those are the only medals given by the Confederacy.

Robert E. Lee didn't believe in giving medals for something one should be led to do by patriotism, anyway.

 

[Nathanb1]

I'm going to brag. I knew this was in the works from reading about it on the forum. However, last week was pretty wild, and I'd forgotten until one of my 8th graders excitedly brought it up. Good job, kid! I love little nerds.

 

[Jantzen]

I'm going to brag. I knew this was in the works from reading about it on the forum. However, last week was pretty wild, and I'd forgotten until one of my 8th graders excitedly brought it up. Good job, kid! I love little nerds.

Love it. When my son was in grade school, and they were studying the American Revolution, he came home excitedly and told me how he had corrected his teacher when she was discussing Paul Revere's ride, noting that he likely called out "The Regulars are out!" as opposed to "The British are coming!." Teach them properly, Major . . .

Thanks for the info on the Davis Guards - more to read up on!

 

[Pat Young]

A few thoughts:

1. Obviously there were others at the wall who showed similar bravery, particularly among the immigrants of the 69th Pennsylvania.

2. Cushing certainly deserves the medal.

3. Many of us assumed that after July 2013 there would be little public interest in the Civil War Sesqui, but this Medal of Honor has already turned out to have gotten more press than any Sesqui events other than the Ft Sumter and Gettysburg anniversaries.

4. It has captured the attention of many folks with limited interest in the war.

5. It shows the usefulness of presidential involvement in bringing attention to the Civil War Sesqui. Whatever a president does is news.

 

[kel1985]

Way overdue, but back then they didn't award the medal posthumously...if you change the criteria for Cushing, how many others who are deserving will be awarded?

 

[Pat Young]

As I have said before, when public relations bonanzas like the movie "Lincoln" or this Medal of Honor come along, the Civil War Community often exhausts itself on nitpicking instead of recognizing the opportunity to invite more of the public in to learn about history.

 

[Pat Young]

It also reminds folks that the Sesqui did not end last year.

 

[JerseyBart]

A few thoughts:

1. Obviously there were others at the wall who showed similar bravery, particularly among the immigrants of the 69th Pennsylvania.

2. Cushing certainly deserves the medal.

3. Many of us assumed that after July 2013 there would be little public interest in the Civil War Sesqui, but this Medal of Honor has already turned out to have gotten more press than any Sesqui events other than the Ft Sumter and Gettysburg anniversaries.

4. It has captured the attention of many folks with limited interest in the war.

5. It shows the usefulness of presidential involvement in bringing attention to the Civil War Sesqui. Whatever a president does is news.

As I have said before, when public relations bonanzas like the movie "Lincoln" or this Medal of Honor come along, the Civil War Community often exhausts itself on nitpicking instead of recognizing the opportunity to invite more of the public in to learn about history.

It also reminds folks that the Sesqui did not end last year.

Ditto...ditto...ditto!!!

 

[Pat Young]

Ditto...ditto...ditto!!!

Glad to see I am not alone.

 

[KeyserSoze]

OK, so now who gets to start the campaign to get his brother, William Cushing, the Medal of Honor as well? I would place the heroism he showed on his attack on the Albemarle at the same level as his Alonzo Cushing's.

 

[pamc153PA]

It's about time, I say.

 

[Pat Young]

It's about time, I say.

Quite true.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

OK, so now who gets to start the campaign to get his brother, William Cushing, the Medal of Honor as well? I would place the heroism he showed on his attack on the Albemarle at the same level as his Alonzo Cushing's.

For reasons stated on the other thread about this, I'd be agin' it.

But I do wonder why nobody's made a movie of it.

 

[JerseyBart]