Pickett’s Charge is named for the commanding general of a Virginian division that took part in the charge – even though only one-third of the attackers were Virginians.
Anyway, this morning there was a nice op ed written by a West Point cadet (a woman) touching on the battle, and the awarding of the Medal of Honor.
A Gettysburg Hero’s Medal Too Long in Coming
Congress’s delay in honoring a Union officer reflects a military-awards process that needs reassessment.
If you know a bit about the Battle of Gettysburgh, you may have heard of this guy –
On July 3, 1863, First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, a Union artillery
officer, arrayed his unit on Gettysburg’s Cemetery Ridge. In the ensuing
Confederate infantry assault that came to be known as Pickett’s Charge,
Cushing was shot twice, the second bullet tearing through his stomach
and groin. The wounded officer kept up the fight, clutching his
intestines as he commanded the artillery battery. Then Cushing was hit a
third time, struck in the mouth by a bullet that exited at the base of
his skull. The defenders of Cemetery Ridge eventually repulsed the
Confederate advance, a pivotal moment in the Union victory that turned
the tide of the Civil War.
One hundred and fifty years later, Alonzo Cushing’s heroism at
Gettysburg is finally moving closer to being recognized with the
posthumous awarding of a Medal of Honor. His story suggests that the
United States should reassess how long it can take for the country to
honor its war heroes.
Hit the link forthe rest.
EXTRA:
One of the Gettysburgh guides, discussing the Charge.
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