The morning of July 3rd, 1863 found 22 year-old First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing in command of his battery of six guns on Cemetary Ridge. His cannon were right in the middle of the Union Line facing a probable Confederate attack. Enemy artillery began a terrific bombardment of the Union forces during which four of Cushing's guns were disabled. Following the cannonade, Rebel forces began advancing in a mile-wide line, converging on Cushing's position at the Angle. Severely wounded in the shoulder and groin, he refused to leave his post, directing the fire of his remaining two guns.
This is where Lt. Cushings battery was deployed. The small marker in front of the limbers is a monument to his heroic actions. He received a third and final wound to the head as the Confederates briefly breached the Union lines.
Today, more than 151 years later, 1st Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing was awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his actions on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. This is the longest time ever between the act of valor and the awarding of the medal.
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