He was vulnerable, bleeding yet
The medal was awarded to the First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing. He got killed on 3 July, 1863 while fighting a three-day battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. The fight is also viewed a turning point of the Civil War. Helen Loring Ensign, from Palm Desert California, accepted the medal on behalf of the soldier.
About 60 supporters as well as relations of the soldier were present during the ceremony to which Obama addressed. President Obama said that the medal pointed toward the fact that time didn't matter. To do the right thing is never too late. The ceremony was arranged in a windowless meeting room of the White House.
About 110 men were in Cushing's command. There were six cannons and he was defending the Union position.
The last of the battle was a tough one for the 22 years old soldier. About thirteen thousand infantrymen advanced on his unit along with a very heavy artillery bombardment. The soldier got wounds in the stomach and right shoulder. Even at this stage Cushing didn't back off and ordered his unit to point their guns to the front lines.
President Obbama also quoted Cushing's fellow soldier who asked him to back off and go to the rear. In his response Cushing said that he would either 'fight it out' or 'die'.
The president also paid tribute to other soldiers who fought hard to save the nation. He added that he might not be there as president if those courageous soldiers had not scarified their lives for the country.
Posted by Unknown on Thursday, November 6, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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