Alonzo Cushing Medal of Honor Ceremony (Video)

At long last, on November 6th, 2014, Lt. Alonzo Cushing was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg on July 3rd, 1863. Cushing, who was in command of Battery A of the 4th U.S. Artillery, was killed in action on Cemetery Ridge while directing fire against the advancing Confederates in Pickett’s Charge. Cushing’s Medal of Honor was the culmination of years of effort by historians, Civil War buffs, and politicians of both parties. The chief sticking point had been the length of time since the events happened. Cushing was 22 when he died and left no descendents. The Medal was presented by President Obama to Helen Loring Ensign, a distant cousin, on Cushing’s behalf.

Here’s part of the White House presentation ceremony: