In May of 2010, the honorable Mayor Margaret Lupton of the township Zorra in Ontario travelled to California to particpate in the unveiling of a new grave marker for Zorra born Benjamin Franklin Youngs. Youngs went off to fight in the Civil War at a young age and was awarded a Medal of Honor for the capture of an enemy flag. (More in a future blog.) At that ceremony, arranged by myself and a woman from California, dozens of family from across Canada, the US and even from London England attended to honour Youngs. The Canadian Embassy, the Canadian Armed Forces, the US Government, its military, other dignitaries and of course family also played roles in the event.
When the mayor presented her remarks she noted how impressed she was at the incredible depth of committment she saw up to and during the ceremony to bring all the possible dignity and honour to the memory of this deceased Canadian hero. The Mayor also noted that the folks back in Canada, while not backward in this recognition, could still learn a thing or two from our American friends on how to show their respect for the fallen, those who still serve, and those yet to serve.
To this end I would like to note that over the past dozen years of researching the recipients I have found that, generally speaking there are probably few villages and towns across American, few cities and state capitols that do not display statutes, and plaques, have buildings and schools and armories and camps and playgrounds and hospitals and airforce bases and ships and bridge, roads and highways that have been named in honour of the brave men and one woman who went off to war and were awared American's highest ever award for bravery in the service... the Medal of Honor.
Sadly, with regards to our Canadian MOH heroes, I see little of this in our country. This page is dedicated to all those who went off to war with their American neighbours, and later were awared the MOH. Here you will find images of the few graves located so far in Canada for these men, and few memorials and finally a breakdown of the known medals that exist in Canada today.
But before that, this page brings images of just a few of the ways American has acknowledged the role these Canadians have played in their wars over the years. There are MANY more spread across the US, and elsewhere, but below you can see a sample of these tokens of American respect for their neighbours to the north.
When the mayor presented her remarks she noted how impressed she was at the incredible depth of committment she saw up to and during the ceremony to bring all the possible dignity and honour to the memory of this deceased Canadian hero. The Mayor also noted that the folks back in Canada, while not backward in this recognition, could still learn a thing or two from our American friends on how to show their respect for the fallen, those who still serve, and those yet to serve.
To this end I would like to note that over the past dozen years of researching the recipients I have found that, generally speaking there are probably few villages and towns across American, few cities and state capitols that do not display statutes, and plaques, have buildings and schools and armories and camps and playgrounds and hospitals and airforce bases and ships and bridge, roads and highways that have been named in honour of the brave men and one woman who went off to war and were awared American's highest ever award for bravery in the service... the Medal of Honor.
Sadly, with regards to our Canadian MOH heroes, I see little of this in our country. This page is dedicated to all those who went off to war with their American neighbours, and later were awared the MOH. Here you will find images of the few graves located so far in Canada for these men, and few memorials and finally a breakdown of the known medals that exist in Canada today.
But before that, this page brings images of just a few of the ways American has acknowledged the role these Canadians have played in their wars over the years. There are MANY more spread across the US, and elsewhere, but below you can see a sample of these tokens of American respect for their neighbours to the north.
Vancouver BC born Douglas Munro moved to the US at a very early age with his parents and a sister. While there will be a number of blogs about Munro in the months to come, in brief, he joined the US Coast Guard and was instrumental in saving 500 Marines lives at Guadalcanal, when they were driven off the island during WWII. He was killed in the process and was posthumously awared the MOH.
A few years back the US Post Office issued the stamp, in the upper left, in his honour. The statute in the upper right is an image of Munro, a signaler, and is located at the US Coast Guard training facility at Cape May NJ. There have been a number of coast guard cutters named after Douglas Munro and the current vessel, pictured here is stationed in Alaska.
His grave, in lower left, is located not far from Seattle in Washington state and in fact has been declared a state historic site. Douglas, pictured in lower right, was so highly thought of, that the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard make it mandatory that recruits learn his story. His was the ONLY Medal of Honor awarded to any Coast Guard member in the entire history of the medal.
A few years back the US Post Office issued the stamp, in the upper left, in his honour. The statute in the upper right is an image of Munro, a signaler, and is located at the US Coast Guard training facility at Cape May NJ. There have been a number of coast guard cutters named after Douglas Munro and the current vessel, pictured here is stationed in Alaska.
His grave, in lower left, is located not far from Seattle in Washington state and in fact has been declared a state historic site. Douglas, pictured in lower right, was so highly thought of, that the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard make it mandatory that recruits learn his story. His was the ONLY Medal of Honor awarded to any Coast Guard member in the entire history of the medal.
Canadians over the years have served on several dozen American war ships. Some of the Medal of Honor recipients have even had future war ships named after them. One of these was the USS Stoddard, pictured here and is the namesake of Port Robinson Ontario born James Stoddard. The heroism of this seamen was quickly realized from his actions while involved in a landing party during an attack at Yazoo City Miss. during CW days. His bravery, of which more will be said in a blog, was instrumental in turning the tide of battle in favour on the Union Navy. There were a number of ships of this same name and so honouring Stoddard.
Many US service men and women of recent years will recognize the name of Camp Morgan in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But few may know that the camp's namesake... Colonel George Morgan was St Catherines Ontario born, and earned His MOH during the Native uprisings in the early 1880's. His father was also from Ontario and served as a general during the CW.
At the middle right is a monument for MOH heroes at the state capitol at Olympia Washington. Several names of Canadian recipients are engraved on this marker. Simlar commemorative markers or statutes are probably located at all state capitols.
At the bottom is one of six markers located at Crampton's Gap, in the Gathland State Park near Burkittsville MD. It was here were James Allen earned his Medal of Honor, by captutring 14 enemy soldiers and their unit flag by a cute ruse. Later in the war he would work on the building of the Lincoln touring car ( a train passenger car) which he and others had to help rebuild after Lincoln was killed.
Many US service men and women of recent years will recognize the name of Camp Morgan in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But few may know that the camp's namesake... Colonel George Morgan was St Catherines Ontario born, and earned His MOH during the Native uprisings in the early 1880's. His father was also from Ontario and served as a general during the CW.
At the middle right is a monument for MOH heroes at the state capitol at Olympia Washington. Several names of Canadian recipients are engraved on this marker. Simlar commemorative markers or statutes are probably located at all state capitols.
At the bottom is one of six markers located at Crampton's Gap, in the Gathland State Park near Burkittsville MD. It was here were James Allen earned his Medal of Honor, by captutring 14 enemy soldiers and their unit flag by a cute ruse. Later in the war he would work on the building of the Lincoln touring car ( a train passenger car) which he and others had to help rebuild after Lincoln was killed.
As you enter the State of Wisconsin you will pass a Honor Wall which lists all of the state's Medal of Honor recipients. To the left is the name Albert O'Connor who was born at East Hereford Quebec. At age 17 he joined the Union army and would go on to fight in 30 different battles. He was awarded the Medal of Honor after he rescued a Union officer who was being held by nine Confederates. During the hand to hand combat he captured thee of the enemy, a stand of enemy colors (flags) and dispersed the remainder.
At Nattick Ma., not far from Boston, there is a base known as the US Army Soldier System Centre. Here you can find many streets that have been named in honour of several Medal of Honor heroes. Canadian born Carlos H Rich was awarded his medal in the Battle of the Wilderness for saving the life of one of his officers. Musket fire was so intense in this battle that sparks set the woods on fire. Hundreds of the 26,000 who died in the battle burned to death. An officer reported that nine Union men were found dead at the base of a very large chestnut tree. On the other side of the same tree lay 7 Confederate dead.
Major General Adolphus Greely, whilst a jnr officer, served in many battles of the CW. He would continue in the military and late in life would be awarded a Medal of Honor for a lifetime of exploratory work, including research in the Canadian arctic. His medal is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Seaman Horatio Nelson Young was born at St Stephen New Brunswick. At the outbreak of the Civil War this bordertown lad of 18 joined the US Navy. when his vessel got grounded in the Charlston Harbour it immediately came under very heavy fire. Young and a few others volunteered to pass a line from one ship to another via a small boat in the hopes of getting hauled to safety. It took several attempts but eventually the efforts of these few saved the entired ship's crew from either capture or death. Young and four others would later be awarded the Medal of Honor for their incredible bravery.
At Riverside California, some 60 miles east of Los Angeles there is one of the five national memorials to the Medal of Honor recipients. Here you will find a wonderful cemetery with many tributes to the military, those Missing in Action, and at one end the MOH memorial consisting of 39 highly polished markers containing the lists of all Medal of Honor recipients. (Minus those rescinded, and covered in a future blog.) Of these 39, there appears the name of a Canadian or a recipient with connections to Canada on every one of these markers except 8. Above is an image of one of them containing the name of Seaman Young.
At Nattick Ma., not far from Boston, there is a base known as the US Army Soldier System Centre. Here you can find many streets that have been named in honour of several Medal of Honor heroes. Canadian born Carlos H Rich was awarded his medal in the Battle of the Wilderness for saving the life of one of his officers. Musket fire was so intense in this battle that sparks set the woods on fire. Hundreds of the 26,000 who died in the battle burned to death. An officer reported that nine Union men were found dead at the base of a very large chestnut tree. On the other side of the same tree lay 7 Confederate dead.
Major General Adolphus Greely, whilst a jnr officer, served in many battles of the CW. He would continue in the military and late in life would be awarded a Medal of Honor for a lifetime of exploratory work, including research in the Canadian arctic. His medal is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Seaman Horatio Nelson Young was born at St Stephen New Brunswick. At the outbreak of the Civil War this bordertown lad of 18 joined the US Navy. when his vessel got grounded in the Charlston Harbour it immediately came under very heavy fire. Young and a few others volunteered to pass a line from one ship to another via a small boat in the hopes of getting hauled to safety. It took several attempts but eventually the efforts of these few saved the entired ship's crew from either capture or death. Young and four others would later be awarded the Medal of Honor for their incredible bravery.
At Riverside California, some 60 miles east of Los Angeles there is one of the five national memorials to the Medal of Honor recipients. Here you will find a wonderful cemetery with many tributes to the military, those Missing in Action, and at one end the MOH memorial consisting of 39 highly polished markers containing the lists of all Medal of Honor recipients. (Minus those rescinded, and covered in a future blog.) Of these 39, there appears the name of a Canadian or a recipient with connections to Canada on every one of these markers except 8. Above is an image of one of them containing the name of Seaman Young.
So What Do We Have In Canada?
We have only 7 known graves of
Medal of Honor Recipients in Canada!
If you know of any others please email me the
details and a digital picture if possible.
It is known that Charles Robinson is buried at the Holly Cross Cemetery at Halifax. However, long ago, records disappeared and the actual location of the grave is unknown. This marker was placed very close to the entrance so that hopefully it would be readily found. It is within feet of the final resting place and marker for Canada's 5th Prime Minister, Sir John Sparrow David Thompson, who was Halifax born and also served as Nova Scotia's 5th Premier.
Robinson earned his Medal of Honor during the Yazoo Expedition in Dec. of 1862. He is believed to have actually been awarded 2 medals, the first being for battles in Feb. 1862 at Forts Henry and Donelson, but while a medal has turned up so inscribed, authorities have yet to recognize his double recipient status.
Medal of Honor Recipients in Canada!
If you know of any others please email me the
details and a digital picture if possible.
It is known that Charles Robinson is buried at the Holly Cross Cemetery at Halifax. However, long ago, records disappeared and the actual location of the grave is unknown. This marker was placed very close to the entrance so that hopefully it would be readily found. It is within feet of the final resting place and marker for Canada's 5th Prime Minister, Sir John Sparrow David Thompson, who was Halifax born and also served as Nova Scotia's 5th Premier.
Robinson earned his Medal of Honor during the Yazoo Expedition in Dec. of 1862. He is believed to have actually been awarded 2 medals, the first being for battles in Feb. 1862 at Forts Henry and Donelson, but while a medal has turned up so inscribed, authorities have yet to recognize his double recipient status.
Captain Nutting was born in NY and served in the CW in the 61st NY Infantry. He fought, and was wounded at Gettysburg and earned a medal of Honor for actions at the Battle of Todd's Tavern in Virginia in mid 1864.
Lee and his wife spent their final years living at Bridgewater Nova Scotia with their daughter Grace and are buried there, side by side, at the Brookside cemetery
Machinist First Class George Frederick Phillips was born at Coles Island near Saint John NB, Canada. he and several other Canadians earned Medals of Honor during the brief Spanish American War.
Phillips was a well seasoned mariner on board the Merrimac when the ship was bought by the US Government and put into use in this war. He went with the ship and joined the US Navy. His was an older vessel and prone to many problems so it was ultimately decided to scuttle the ship in the Santiago Harbour in the hopes of catching many of the Spanish war ships off guard and thus stuck in their own harbour and unable to escape.
The suicide mission involved stripping the vessel down to bare bones, strapping ten canisters each containing just under a hundred pounds of gun powder and an elaborate set up to pull switches and blow the vessel up at the right time and position. But the tides were not in America's favour and neither where the devices that were to set the whole vessel ablaze. Many did not work and she went down..but in the wrong position. The handful of crew including Phillips were taken prisoner of war, the only men of such status in the war, but where all later released and all except the officer were awarded Medals of Honor. At that time naval officers were not entitled to the award, but the officer would later be awarded one.
This grave is located at Saint John NB in the Fernhill Cemetery.
Phillips was a well seasoned mariner on board the Merrimac when the ship was bought by the US Government and put into use in this war. He went with the ship and joined the US Navy. His was an older vessel and prone to many problems so it was ultimately decided to scuttle the ship in the Santiago Harbour in the hopes of catching many of the Spanish war ships off guard and thus stuck in their own harbour and unable to escape.
The suicide mission involved stripping the vessel down to bare bones, strapping ten canisters each containing just under a hundred pounds of gun powder and an elaborate set up to pull switches and blow the vessel up at the right time and position. But the tides were not in America's favour and neither where the devices that were to set the whole vessel ablaze. Many did not work and she went down..but in the wrong position. The handful of crew including Phillips were taken prisoner of war, the only men of such status in the war, but where all later released and all except the officer were awarded Medals of Honor. At that time naval officers were not entitled to the award, but the officer would later be awarded one.
This grave is located at Saint John NB in the Fernhill Cemetery.
As noted above, Horatio Nelson Young was awarded his Medal of Honor after playing a major role in the passing of lines from one boat to another under very intense enemy fire. As a result of his bravery and that of a few others, both the vessel and its entire crew were saved from capture or death and destruction.
Horatio grew up at St. Stephen New Brunswick and like many from the area, and in fact the entire province, went off to join in the Civil War. Men from here actually fought on both sides, that of the Union and that of the Confederates. Many Medals of Honor would come to these Maritimers.
Few realize that the very first death during the famous battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack in 1862 was that of a New Brunswicker, fighting for the South and serving on the Merrimack. As interesting, there is a very small grave yard along the seashore at Cherbourg France. It overlooks the battle site of another very famous Civil War naval battle... that of the Kearsarge and the Alabama. And one of the three graves is that of yet another New Brunswicker. Canadians fought on both sides in both battles.
This is Young's wonderful marker at the Rural Cemetery at St. Stephen. Several other CW vets are also buried here including General John Curtiss Caldwell, who served as one of the honor guards at President Lincoln's funeral in 1865.
Horatio grew up at St. Stephen New Brunswick and like many from the area, and in fact the entire province, went off to join in the Civil War. Men from here actually fought on both sides, that of the Union and that of the Confederates. Many Medals of Honor would come to these Maritimers.
Few realize that the very first death during the famous battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack in 1862 was that of a New Brunswicker, fighting for the South and serving on the Merrimack. As interesting, there is a very small grave yard along the seashore at Cherbourg France. It overlooks the battle site of another very famous Civil War naval battle... that of the Kearsarge and the Alabama. And one of the three graves is that of yet another New Brunswicker. Canadians fought on both sides in both battles.
This is Young's wonderful marker at the Rural Cemetery at St. Stephen. Several other CW vets are also buried here including General John Curtiss Caldwell, who served as one of the honor guards at President Lincoln's funeral in 1865.
This is Montreal born Louis Georges Chaput's grave found at the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cemetery) at Montreal. The marker has the name Chaput across the base but is difficult to see. The marker has no indications on it that Landsman Chaput was a Medal of Honor recipient. A new marker has been approved and is in the process of being made, but government legislative changes affected this and other applications moving forward. They are now on stream and hopefully a new marker wil be arriving shortly.
In Civil War days a recruit in the navy that had yet to get his sea training was refered to as a ... lands... man. With later sea training, he became a sea...man.
In August of 1864 Landsman Chaput was badly wounded in the attacks against rebels warships and the Fort Morgan battery. He had his wounds dressed but insisted on returning to his gun and continue the fight. His bravery was rewarded with a Medal of Honor just 4 months later.
Many had to wait years to get their medals. Some families waited over a hundred years.
This is Edward E Dodds' grave marked at the Canton Cemetery at Port Hope Ontario. Photo was taken by fellow Medal of Honor Historical Society of the US member Bill Sweeney.
Note in front the small US government issued marker that identifies that veteran Dodds was a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
It was in the summer of 1864 when Sgt Dodds earned his Medal of Honor at what was called Ashby's Gap, one of three routes that crossed throught the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah Valley in Western Virginia. Union General Hooker commanded the divisions in which Dodds found himself. It was this general who would allow women of the night to follow his troops for the purposes of morale(???) and to which that same profession now credits it's name of Hookers.
During a surprise attack and under heavy fire from Confederate general GEB Stuart's men, Dodds' Officer and horse were shot. The officer, still alive, was pinned under the beast. Dodds dismounted under heavy fire, extracated his officer, put him on Dodds' horse and the two rode of to safety. Later in the war Dodds lost his right are in battle, but insited on returning to the battlelines as soon as possible...and did so. He survived the war and returned to Canada and, later became the town clerk at Canton.
GEB Stuart later in the war would die at the hands of a long distance Union snipper. That snipper was born in a place called Toronto!
Note in front the small US government issued marker that identifies that veteran Dodds was a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
It was in the summer of 1864 when Sgt Dodds earned his Medal of Honor at what was called Ashby's Gap, one of three routes that crossed throught the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Shenandoah Valley in Western Virginia. Union General Hooker commanded the divisions in which Dodds found himself. It was this general who would allow women of the night to follow his troops for the purposes of morale(???) and to which that same profession now credits it's name of Hookers.
During a surprise attack and under heavy fire from Confederate general GEB Stuart's men, Dodds' Officer and horse were shot. The officer, still alive, was pinned under the beast. Dodds dismounted under heavy fire, extracated his officer, put him on Dodds' horse and the two rode of to safety. Later in the war Dodds lost his right are in battle, but insited on returning to the battlelines as soon as possible...and did so. He survived the war and returned to Canada and, later became the town clerk at Canton.
GEB Stuart later in the war would die at the hands of a long distance Union snipper. That snipper was born in a place called Toronto!
Robert Fulton Dodd was born at Galt Ontario. Early in life he went off to the US and signed up for infantry service in 1861. After the war he returned to Toronto and later moved to Winnipeg, and his grave marker, to your left, is at his place of rest in the Hillside Cemetery at Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.
Cpl Dodd was in many battles including Vicksburg, the Wilderness, (where another Canadian earned a MOH,.) at Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, and Petersburg. (Other Canadians also earned MOH's here.)
Part of the Petersburg campaign involved what would become know as the Battle of the Crater. It was here that Dodd would earn his MOH. Having great difficulty advancing over open lands, the Union decided to dig a 150 Ft. long underground tunnel. Then they went left and right about 50 Ft. Then they placed 8,000 pounds of explosives at either end, lite it and blew up much of the enemy fort above. Thousands would die in the battle, not only from explosions, but after Union troops pilled into the pit as they planned a further advance forward. Once in, they couldn't get out of it because the sides were too lose to gain footing to climb out.
It became a horrible slaughter when the Conderates then brought in reinforcements and lined the edge and, as many would later say, it became nothing short of a turkey shoot. The Union troops being the turkeys. Many Canadians fought in this battle. Dodd was awarded his medal for helping to crawl along the edge and dragging wounded back to safety.
A short part at the begining of the movie COLD HARBOR has a few scenes of this battle and is well worth seeing if you have not yet done so.
Cpl Dodd was in many battles including Vicksburg, the Wilderness, (where another Canadian earned a MOH,.) at Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, and Petersburg. (Other Canadians also earned MOH's here.)
Part of the Petersburg campaign involved what would become know as the Battle of the Crater. It was here that Dodd would earn his MOH. Having great difficulty advancing over open lands, the Union decided to dig a 150 Ft. long underground tunnel. Then they went left and right about 50 Ft. Then they placed 8,000 pounds of explosives at either end, lite it and blew up much of the enemy fort above. Thousands would die in the battle, not only from explosions, but after Union troops pilled into the pit as they planned a further advance forward. Once in, they couldn't get out of it because the sides were too lose to gain footing to climb out.
It became a horrible slaughter when the Conderates then brought in reinforcements and lined the edge and, as many would later say, it became nothing short of a turkey shoot. The Union troops being the turkeys. Many Canadians fought in this battle. Dodd was awarded his medal for helping to crawl along the edge and dragging wounded back to safety.
A short part at the begining of the movie COLD HARBOR has a few scenes of this battle and is well worth seeing if you have not yet done so.
There are only 5 known memorials of any type in Canada
in honour of over 100 Medal of Honor recipients!
Please contact me if you
have info on any others.
Not far from Halifax there is a small community called Noel Shore and from there two teen aged brothers by the name of Harry Herbert and Willard D Miller ran away from home to visit relatives along the Eastern seaboard of the US. Along came the Spanish American War and both teens signed up for naval service. Soon they found themselves in Cuba and involved in the dredging up, and cutting of cables, from the shark infested and mined Harbour at Cienfuegos. The Spaniards apparently took offense at this action and tried there best to kill all that went on a suicide mission, that clearly had the American sailors VERY close to shoreline batteries and troops in other fortifications. Bullets came so fast and furious that one of the crew would later claim he had to use many of his bullets to stick them into the bullet holes the enemy put in their motor boat.
Over 50 Medals of Honor were awarded to these heroes. Two came to the Miller Brothers who were the only set of brothers so awarded in this war. While the Millers were the only Naval set of brothers earning the medal in the entire history of the medal, other sets of brothers in the Army also were so awarded. Including two sets from Canada.
This monument is afixed to the very home the teens grew up in and was still occupied by family when I visited and interviewed them a few years back.
Unfortunately the plaque notes that the brothers were among those who went on to WIN the Congressional Medal of Honor. Historians, recipients and others today would rather any reference to an award be was earned or awarded. They did not win it, as if it was in a contest. They are also shagrined today, at the popular, though incorrect use of the word CONGRESSIONAL when mentioning the Medal of Honor. The complete and proper name is quite simply... the Medal of Honor.
Over 50 Medals of Honor were awarded to these heroes. Two came to the Miller Brothers who were the only set of brothers so awarded in this war. While the Millers were the only Naval set of brothers earning the medal in the entire history of the medal, other sets of brothers in the Army also were so awarded. Including two sets from Canada.
This monument is afixed to the very home the teens grew up in and was still occupied by family when I visited and interviewed them a few years back.
Unfortunately the plaque notes that the brothers were among those who went on to WIN the Congressional Medal of Honor. Historians, recipients and others today would rather any reference to an award be was earned or awarded. They did not win it, as if it was in a contest. They are also shagrined today, at the popular, though incorrect use of the word CONGRESSIONAL when mentioning the Medal of Honor. The complete and proper name is quite simply... the Medal of Honor.
Back in 2006 a New York historian unveiled a new marker at the grave site of Lindsay Ontario born Denis (Dennis) Buckley. He served in the same regiment as the historian's grandfather. Buckley was the only Medal of Honor recipient of the unit, and the historian was baffled that no one had yet to be able to discover where he was buried. But after years of investigative work Buckley's grave was found in Georgia. He had been buried for 140 years under the wrong name.
The Historian corrected this.
When I wrote about it in an Ontario paper, a monument company came forth and offered to make a monument for Buckley to be mounted at Lindsay. I attended and helped to organize the unveiling and the picture here is of the memorial. But it should be noted again, that the actual grave is in Georgia. There will be more in a future blog on the work done to preserve this man's heroism in both contries later.
The Historian corrected this.
When I wrote about it in an Ontario paper, a monument company came forth and offered to make a monument for Buckley to be mounted at Lindsay. I attended and helped to organize the unveiling and the picture here is of the memorial. But it should be noted again, that the actual grave is in Georgia. There will be more in a future blog on the work done to preserve this man's heroism in both contries later.
This plaque is mounted near the grave of Port Hope Ontario born Edward Dodds who's grave marker you have already seen above.
Erected many years ago, much of the infrormation of today was not then available. While it uses the name "Congressional" when describing the medal, the word is no longer considered proper in this enscription. Today it would also be more appropriate to spell the word HONOUR with the American spelling (without the "u") as the medal is an American medal.
There are also now several more known graves in Canada and 3 of these are indeed Canadian born, but again in the years gone, some of this information may well not have been available when this wonderful plaqee was designed, created and mounted.
The sign is on the road outside of the Dodds property of the late 1870's or 80's.
Both this photo and the plaque are courtesy of PJ Bolton of Ontario who had done some research on Mr Dodds and has been most gracious in supply of some of these details and photo's with me.
Somewhere in Ottawa there seems to be a lost plaque of most historic importance!
Back in 1976 Charles MacGillivary, the immediate past President of the Medal of Honor Society was in Ottawa. At that time he presented a plaque with 50 or 60 names on it of Canadians who earned the American Medal of Honor to PM Trudeau.
I learned of this many years ago and wrote to the Speaker of the Canadian Parliament in May of 2005. It would be that office that would be responsible for plaques of this nature. I received a response that the office went through its files and could not locate any such plaque.
So where is it?
The late Charles McGillivary was the only Non-American born to be President of the MOH Society as I undertand it. And he was a Medal of Honor recipient himself. He was born in PEI and earned his medal in the Battle of the Buldge.
Back in 1976 Charles MacGillivary, the immediate past President of the Medal of Honor Society was in Ottawa. At that time he presented a plaque with 50 or 60 names on it of Canadians who earned the American Medal of Honor to PM Trudeau.
I learned of this many years ago and wrote to the Speaker of the Canadian Parliament in May of 2005. It would be that office that would be responsible for plaques of this nature. I received a response that the office went through its files and could not locate any such plaque.
So where is it?
The late Charles McGillivary was the only Non-American born to be President of the MOH Society as I undertand it. And he was a Medal of Honor recipient himself. He was born in PEI and earned his medal in the Battle of the Buldge.
There may be eight actual Medals of Honor in Canada, perhaps more!
Hopefully you have already seen the image above on George Phillips grave at Saint John New Brunswick. George was a Machinst onboard the USS Merrimac in the Spanish American War when it was scuttled in Cuba in the failed attempt at blockading a harbour and thus trapping most of the Spanish Navy inside and unable to escape.
The image here is of the reverse of his medal. It is held by the New Brunswick Musum at Saint John, and is only a few minutes drive away from his grave. It is the only kown Spanish American War Medal of Honor known to be in Canada, and further, the only one held in a museum were, presumably it is on public display. There is only one other medal in public display in Canada, and therefore, those interested in the subject are highly encouraged to make a trip to the museum in New Brunswick and have a look at this very important historical artifact of Canada's and US past culture. (PS, if you go, please send me some digital pictures.)
The inscription reads.... For heroism, in line of duty, George Phillips, Machinist, Sinking of Merrimac, Santiago de Cuba, June 3rd, 1898.
By the way, this Merrimac should not be confused with the Merrimack, often spelled Merrimac in error, of the famed battle of the Merrimac and Monitor of Civil War days.
The image here is of the reverse of his medal. It is held by the New Brunswick Musum at Saint John, and is only a few minutes drive away from his grave. It is the only kown Spanish American War Medal of Honor known to be in Canada, and further, the only one held in a museum were, presumably it is on public display. There is only one other medal in public display in Canada, and therefore, those interested in the subject are highly encouraged to make a trip to the museum in New Brunswick and have a look at this very important historical artifact of Canada's and US past culture. (PS, if you go, please send me some digital pictures.)
The inscription reads.... For heroism, in line of duty, George Phillips, Machinist, Sinking of Merrimac, Santiago de Cuba, June 3rd, 1898.
By the way, this Merrimac should not be confused with the Merrimack, often spelled Merrimac in error, of the famed battle of the Merrimac and Monitor of Civil War days.
Alaric Chapin was one of the fellows in the Forlorned Hope charge against the pallisades at Fort Fisher during the Civil War. He was from NY state but later moved west to raise a family. One of his sons made a home for years on a large ranch near Calgary, and from there the MOH that Alaric was awarded ended up being donated to Glenbow Museum at Calgary, where it is on public display today. The museum is also the proud owner of Chapin's 1864 Musket and a bayonet as well. Efforts should be made to travel there some day to see these wonderful artifacts. (While there, also check out the wonderful display of Victoria Crosses they have.)
While the medal was earned during the CW, the documentation from the original general that recommended the medal got lost in the system. In the early 1900's a lawyer representing another of the men nominated by the general took the matter up and forced an investigation which ultimately resulted in several medals being issued. Chapin being one, and it arrived in an envelope through the mails in 1915... 50 years after it was earned.
By this time the medal had been revamped and that pictured here, (Chapin's from Glenbow,) was first manufactured and put into issue in 1904. It is often referred to as the Gillespie Medal in honour of Brig. General George Gillespie who played an instrumental role in having the old version altered. Once approved by governement, he took out a patent to protect if from being duplicated by others. He later transfered this patent to the offices of the Secretary of War.
The medal should be suspened on a blue ribbon displaying a field of 13 stars. The medal is now suspended by a newer version of an eagle and below the word VALOR is prominently displayed. The medal still has the 5 pointed star but the 34 were then replaced with a wreath. Minerva is no longer repulsing discord and her her image is greatly reduced as well.
While the medal was earned during the CW, the documentation from the original general that recommended the medal got lost in the system. In the early 1900's a lawyer representing another of the men nominated by the general took the matter up and forced an investigation which ultimately resulted in several medals being issued. Chapin being one, and it arrived in an envelope through the mails in 1915... 50 years after it was earned.
By this time the medal had been revamped and that pictured here, (Chapin's from Glenbow,) was first manufactured and put into issue in 1904. It is often referred to as the Gillespie Medal in honour of Brig. General George Gillespie who played an instrumental role in having the old version altered. Once approved by governement, he took out a patent to protect if from being duplicated by others. He later transfered this patent to the offices of the Secretary of War.
The medal should be suspened on a blue ribbon displaying a field of 13 stars. The medal is now suspended by a newer version of an eagle and below the word VALOR is prominently displayed. The medal still has the 5 pointed star but the 34 were then replaced with a wreath. Minerva is no longer repulsing discord and her her image is greatly reduced as well.
This is the back of Chapin's medal and the inscription reads... The Congress, to, Pvt, Alaric Chapin, Co. G. 142nd NY Vol's, (volunteers) Fort Fisher, Jan 15, 1865
This is the only known Civil War earned, but Gillsepie model, of the Medal of Honor that is on public display in Canada.
When a CW medal was awarded, and a later version then replaced the first, the recipient was entitled to receive the later version. Often they were then asked to return the first medal issued and just as often apparently, the request was denied and so the soldier or sailor ended up with 2 medals. That would explain today why some decendants now have 2 medals in the family.
This also explains why a researcher may learn that there is a medal belonging to an individial at a particular museum. But later learn that there is one also at another museum.
Duplicates have also been known to have been issued for varied reasons including the fact that a medal could have been lost or stolen.
When talking about duplicates as above, these should not to be confused with the 19 cases, were an individual was actually awarded two SEPARATE medals for 2 different actions. ( I say 19 because that is what the curent sources tell us. They are wrong. But that subject will be covered in a blog.)
This is the only known Civil War earned, but Gillsepie model, of the Medal of Honor that is on public display in Canada.
When a CW medal was awarded, and a later version then replaced the first, the recipient was entitled to receive the later version. Often they were then asked to return the first medal issued and just as often apparently, the request was denied and so the soldier or sailor ended up with 2 medals. That would explain today why some decendants now have 2 medals in the family.
This also explains why a researcher may learn that there is a medal belonging to an individial at a particular museum. But later learn that there is one also at another museum.
Duplicates have also been known to have been issued for varied reasons including the fact that a medal could have been lost or stolen.
When talking about duplicates as above, these should not to be confused with the 19 cases, were an individual was actually awarded two SEPARATE medals for 2 different actions. ( I say 19 because that is what the curent sources tell us. They are wrong. But that subject will be covered in a blog.)
George F Thompson was a member of the 27th Maine and was awarded a Medal of Honor in 1865 as one on the members of the unit, when some volunteeres to stay behind after their terms of enlistment had expired. The unit was asked to stay on duty though not legally required, and to remain in the Washington DC area to protect the capitol in the event the Confederates were successful at Gettysburg in 1863, and would then turn their attention on DC.
The entire regiment's list of recipients... about 900, were later rescinded. BUT MUCH MORE on the legality of such an action in a future blog.
Needless to say, Thompson was not a Canadian but somehow his medal had turned up in this country. About a year ago it was held for sales purposes by a coin and medals dealer in Ontario.
It is unknown if now sold, and if so the current location of this medal.
