Alonzo Cushing
Union Army soldier (1841-1863)
Alonzo Hersford Cushing (January 19, 1841 – July 3, 1863) 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. President Obama posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor on November 6, 2014, in a White House ceremony. Cushing the medal on November 6, 2014. Helen Bird Loring Ensign, a first cousin twice removed, accepted the medal on Cushing's behalf.
Quotes
edit- I stay right here and fight it out or die in the attempt.
- Upon his decision to remain at his position in the face of a 12,500-man Confederate assault; as quoted by Manley, B. (2015). Union Officer to Receive Medal of Honor for Heroics at Gettysburg. Military History, 31(5), 8.
- I will give them one more shot!
- Final words spoken before dying from a bullet wound to the head; as quoted by Manley, B. (2015). Union Officer to Receive Medal of Honor for Heroics at Gettysburg. Military History, 31(5), 8.
