Civil War Hero Awarded Medal of Honor

On Nov. 6, 2014, the Medal of Honor was awarded to #USArmy 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, for his actions taken during the Battle of Gettysburg. Below, you will find the official battle narrative describing his gallantry that day. On the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, Cushing commanded 126 men and six cannons positioned on Cemetery Ridge. In the face of Lt. Gen. James Longstreet's Assault, Cushing's battery took a severe pounding by Confederate artillery. Cushing and his battery stood at the apex of the assault where Confederate Maj. Gen. George Pickett intended to pierce the Union line. Within just a few hours, all of Cushing's officers had been killed, and all but two of his guns had been silenced. During the Confederate cannonade, he was wounded in the abdomen, as well as the right shoulder. Refusing to evacuate, despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his two remaining guns -- firing in the face of the enemy. When the rebels were less than 100 yards from his position, Cushing was shot in the head, and died instantly. His actions materially aided the Union Army's successful repulse of the Confederate assault. History shows that the Confederacy would be on the defensive from this point forward, and never again mount a major offensive. To learn more about 1st Lt. Cushing, go to: http://go.usa.gov/GF8d