id was set in the arguments array for the "side panel" sidebar. Defaulting to "sidebar-1". Manually set the id to "sidebar-1" to silence this notice and keep existing sidebar content. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 4.2.0.) in /home/netscrib/public_html/civilwarcavalry/wp-includes/functions.php on line 4239id was set in the arguments array for the "footer" sidebar. Defaulting to "sidebar-2". Manually set the id to "sidebar-2" to silence this notice and keep existing sidebar content. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 4.2.0.) in /home/netscrib/public_html/civilwarcavalry/wp-includes/functions.php on line 4239To me, Alonzo Cushing’s heroism at Gettysburg transcends any such late award of the Medal of Honor. He doesn’t need it.
]]>That’s an interesting quote from Stewart. That said, yes, there were others who did as much at Gettysburg. But many of those who got the Medal for their exploits in that battle did less. And I’m not simply focusing on the over-hyped professor from Bowdoin (who got his nearly 30 years later – I sniff lobbying). Even if it’s regarded as symbolic for others who didn’t get the “limelight”, Cushing’s conduct stands on its own. Now I’ll shut up. 🙂
]]>‘Pickett’s Charge’ by George R. Stewart, 1959
pg. 103
People who wants to read about Cushing’s spectacular brother should pick up the book ‘Lincoln’s Commando’ by Ralph J. Roske and Charles Lincoln Van Doren.
While we are giving out medals I think William deserves one for his actions against the Albemarle.
Chris
]]>I generally agree with all of that. Frankly, I’m defending the Cushing award based on the modern standard. I point to its profligate use in the ACW as just more reason why Cushing amply deserves it.
]]>Long tangential answer: I think it is a mistake that the CMOH of 2014 is the same award as the 1860s. Winning a CMOH in modern times is a very serious and rare thing. In the Civil War, since they were the only medal at the time, were handed out for things that would earn anything from a CMOH down to a Bronze Star today. Heck, 20 soldiers got a CMOH for acts at Wounded Knee!
When other medals came into being and the CMOH became the most prestigious of medals instead of being the only medal, the original CMOH should have been retired and never awarded again (except perhaps retroactively with men like Cushing).
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