Reps. Kind, Sensenbrenner Want Posthumous Recognition of Civil War Soldier from Delafield
Left, one representation of Picket’s Charge. State leaders want a posthumous recognition for one Wisconsin man who helped turn the tide of this famous battle. (Library of Congress)
For the City-Times
U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced legislation to posthumously award Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing with the Medal of Honor. Lt. Cushing, a Wisconsin-born Civil War hero, played a pivotal role in the Union victory at Gettysburg. July 1-3 of this year marks the 150 anniversary of that battle.
A native of Delafield, WI, Cushing is best remembered for his actions on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg when he helped turn the tide during Pickett’s Charge. On July 3, 1863, the third day of battle, Cushing commanded 110 men and six cannons positioned on Cemetery Ridge. They received the full force of Confederate artillery and Pickett’s Charge of 13,000 infantry. In a period of just a few hours, all of his officers had been killed and Cushing himself was wounded though he refused to withdraw from the field. He continued to fight, and sustained two more wounds before finally succumbing to his injuries.
“It’s an honor to fight for the memory of Lieutenant Cushing and help award him the medal he deserves,” said Rep. Kind. “Even 150 years later, it’s never too late to do the right thing, especially as we prepare to honor the memories of all our soldiers this Memorial Day.”
“Lt. Cushing was a courageous leader who gave his life to protect our sovereign nation,” Rep. Sensenbrenner said. “This brave soldier from Wisconsin should be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic service.”
Recommendations for the Medal of Honor must be formally made within two years of the heroic action and awarded within three years. This bill, strongly backed by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, makes it possible to waive this requirement with an act of Congressional approval and the President’s signature.