13 Facts About Alonzo Cushing

Alonzo Hereford Cushing was an artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Alonzo Cushing was born in what is the city of Delafield, Wisconsin, and raised in Fredonia, New York.

Alonzo Cushing graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, as part of the class of June 1861.

Alonzo Cushing was commissioned as second and first lieutenant on the same day and was brevetted major following the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Alonzo Cushing was then grievously wounded by a second shell fragment, which tore into his abdomen and groin.

Alonzo Cushing's body was returned to his family and then interred in West Point Cemetery in Section 26, Row A, Grave 7.

Alonzo Cushing was posthumously cited for gallantry with a brevet promotion to lieutenant colonel.

Alonzo Cushing was nominated for a belated award of the Medal of Honor, beginning with a letter campaign in the late 1980s by a constituent of Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin.

Alonzo Cushing lived on property once owned by Cushing's father in Delafield, Wisconsin and spent years researching his background.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3rd, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Alonzo H Cushing, United States Army.

Alonzo Cushing refused to leave the battlefield after being struck in the shoulder by a shell fragment.

Alonzo Cushing's gallant stand and fearless leadership inflicted severe casualties upon Confederate forces and opened wide gaps in their lines, directly impacting the Union force's ability to repel Pickett's charge.

Alonzo Cushing held his guts in his hand as the charge came up to the wall, And his gun spoke out for him once before he fell to the ground.