Cemetery Ridge. Pickett’s Charge. Phrases that sound familiar from books we've read, or maybe by watching Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War.
But on November 6, 2014, history will come to life when President Barack Obama posthumously awards Army 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
According to the Department of Defense, Cushing displayed "conspicuous gallantry" during the Confederacy's infamous battle assault known as Pickett's Charge:
During the advance, Cushing was wounded in the abdomen and the right shoulder. Refusing to evacuate to the rear despite his severe wounds, he directed the operation of his lone field piece, continuing to fire.
With the Confederate forces within 100 yards of his position, Cushing was shot and killed. His actions made it possible for the Union Army to successfully repel the assault.
Brooks Ensign of San Diego tells Home Post his mother, Helen Loring Ensign, will accept the Medal of Honor from President Obama on Cushing's behalf:
"Her grandfather was Alonzo Cushing's first cousin; their mothers were sisters."
A 94-year-old Wisconsin woman named Margaret Zerwekh lives on same land Cushing once called home, and has always felt a strong connection with Cushing. Milwaukee television station WITI-TV explains...