Sensenbrenner-Kind Amendment Passes House to Award Wisconsinite Medal of Honor

Press Release

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) announced that an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act was approved by the House today that would waive the time requirement on posthumously awarding the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing, who was born in Delafield, WI and died in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Sensenbrenner introduced this amendment with Ron Kind (D-WI).

"This amendment will ensure that Lieutenant Cushing, an outstanding and deserving soldier who was born in Delafield, Wisconsin, will finally be recognized for his bravery and service during the Civil War," Sensenbrenner said. "Lt. Cushing was a courageous leader who gave his life to protect this country, fighting through several battle wounds. With passage of this amendment, I am happy to see that Lieutenant Cushing is one step closer to receiving the Medal of Honor for his heroic service during the Civil War."

Background Information:

Lt. Cushing commanded Battery A, 4th U.S. Artillery, Army of the Potomac for the Union Army and had been praised for his bravery throughout the Civil War. Cushing's battery was at the focal point of the Confederate attack on July 3rd at the Battle of Gettysburg. The intense bombardment preceding the charge left Cushing wounded by shell fragments, many of his men also wounded, and only two working guns. Rather than withdraw, Lt. Cushing continued to lead his unit before succumbing to a fatal gunshot wound.

Recommendations for the Medal of Honor must be formally made within two years of the heroic action and awarded within three years, which is why this amendment is necessary. This amendment is an important step toward honoring Lt. Cushing because it waives the time requirement on posthumously awarding the Medal of Honor, but the award still needs official approval by the President.

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