More than 150 years after the battle of Gettysburg, a Union soldier was finally awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal is the highest military honor in the United States. It is awarded to military personnel who have bravely risked their lives above and beyond what is expected of them. Alonzo Cushing received serious wounds during the battle, but instead of retreating for medical attention, he continued to fight until he was fatally shot. He was 22 years old.
Lawyer Kent Masterson Brown, who published a book about the hero twenty years ago, is glad Cushing is officially recognized for his valor. To honor Cushing’s award, Brown was invited to speak on the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address this November.