Alonzo Hersford Cushing was an artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He died at the Battle of Gettysburg while defending the Union position on Cemetery Ridge against Pickett's Charge. Action was undertaken in 2013, 150 years after Cushing's death, to award him the Medal of Honor. The nomination was approved by the United States Congress, and was sent for review by the Defense Department and the President.On August 26, 2014, the White House announced he would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. President Obama posthumously awarded Cushing the medal on November 6, 2014. Helen Bird Loring Ensign, a first cousin twice removed, accepted the medal on Cushing's behalf. Cushing left no direct descendants.
“I stay right here and fight it out or die in the attempt.”
Manley, B. (2015). Union Officer to Receive Medal of Honor for Heroics at Gettysburg. Military History, 31(5), 8.
Upon his decision to remain at his position in the face of a 12,500-man Confederate assault.
“I will give them one more shot!”
Manley, B. (2015). Union Officer to Receive Medal of Honor for Heroics at Gettysburg. Military History, 31(5), 8.
Final words spoken before dying from a bullet wound to the head.
