When we talk about Medal of Honor news, be it current or historic and involving the United States, we should broaden our horizons.
We should realize that men (and one woman) being awarded these most precious tokens of American appreciation for their valour, where not limited to American born men and women alone. Of the 3500 plus medals awarded so far, well over 700 went to non Americans coming from at least 48 other countries. (In fact the very first award, by date of action, went to an Irishman... (with Canadian connections to boot.)
And so it is fair to say that MOH news is news that ought to be of interest to all 48 countries... if not more.
During Civil War days alone, one in four medals went to a non American. These numbers drop to one in five over all years from inception in 1862 until today.
Moving along, the longest war the Americans have been said to have fought was that against the American Natives. There are many stories about bravery and atrocities on both sides of a 30 year period beginning in the late 1860's.
I shall leave those discussions to those far more qualified than I to document these battles.
But I do want to offer brief comment on the battle some know as the Battle of Rocky Mesa, others call it the battle of Chiricahua Pass.
The natives had been attacking the white man in the area for some time and the US Cavalry were on the look out for such activity.
A mine President headed off his property with several others en-route to do other business, decided to take rest at an abandoned stagecoach stop. But natives were in hiding and attacked and killed all but one man who escaped to near-by Fort Bowie and troops soon were en-route to capture the natives.
A five hour battle broke out before the natives escaped, leaving their carnage behind. Five months later the government awarded 33 Medals of Honor, apparently the most in the medal's entire history, for a one day or shorter battle.
Several Canadians in that unit had, or would later earn Medals of Honor but in this battle a Canadian risked his life in a hail of gunfire to crawl out and rescue one of the troopers. He would be one of those later getting the MOH. His name was Mosher Harding and he was from Ontario.
Mosher would live another 60 or more years and finally passed away and was laid to rest in 1931. His original marker contained no information regarding his Medal Of Honor Status and years later another marker was laid at his final resting place. Both are shown below at a Dennison Iowa cemetery.
We should realize that men (and one woman) being awarded these most precious tokens of American appreciation for their valour, where not limited to American born men and women alone. Of the 3500 plus medals awarded so far, well over 700 went to non Americans coming from at least 48 other countries. (In fact the very first award, by date of action, went to an Irishman... (with Canadian connections to boot.)
And so it is fair to say that MOH news is news that ought to be of interest to all 48 countries... if not more.
During Civil War days alone, one in four medals went to a non American. These numbers drop to one in five over all years from inception in 1862 until today.
Moving along, the longest war the Americans have been said to have fought was that against the American Natives. There are many stories about bravery and atrocities on both sides of a 30 year period beginning in the late 1860's.
I shall leave those discussions to those far more qualified than I to document these battles.
But I do want to offer brief comment on the battle some know as the Battle of Rocky Mesa, others call it the battle of Chiricahua Pass.
The natives had been attacking the white man in the area for some time and the US Cavalry were on the look out for such activity.
A mine President headed off his property with several others en-route to do other business, decided to take rest at an abandoned stagecoach stop. But natives were in hiding and attacked and killed all but one man who escaped to near-by Fort Bowie and troops soon were en-route to capture the natives.
A five hour battle broke out before the natives escaped, leaving their carnage behind. Five months later the government awarded 33 Medals of Honor, apparently the most in the medal's entire history, for a one day or shorter battle.
Several Canadians in that unit had, or would later earn Medals of Honor but in this battle a Canadian risked his life in a hail of gunfire to crawl out and rescue one of the troopers. He would be one of those later getting the MOH. His name was Mosher Harding and he was from Ontario.
Mosher would live another 60 or more years and finally passed away and was laid to rest in 1931. His original marker contained no information regarding his Medal Of Honor Status and years later another marker was laid at his final resting place. Both are shown below at a Dennison Iowa cemetery.
Unfortunately the image is of very poor quality but it does show Mosher wearing a later version of the Medal of Honor. His original would have been slightly different. Its has been reported that in this frame we see not a picture...but his actual Medal of Honor.
Moving on, just days ago I learned of a major event in the Medal of Honor world. And as noted above, this event, being digital can be shared by folks in all the countries around the world, even those who did not bring home an actual Medal of Honor.
On March 25th past, Medal of Honor Day in the US, it was apparently announced that a fabulous source of research and learning had been developed for free use. A tool for all to enjoy and learn all about the medal and the men and one lady who had been recipients in the past.
Moving on, just days ago I learned of a major event in the Medal of Honor world. And as noted above, this event, being digital can be shared by folks in all the countries around the world, even those who did not bring home an actual Medal of Honor.
On March 25th past, Medal of Honor Day in the US, it was apparently announced that a fabulous source of research and learning had been developed for free use. A tool for all to enjoy and learn all about the medal and the men and one lady who had been recipients in the past.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the American Battlefield Trust and others have joined forces to bring us this fabulous and most attractive resource to pursue our MOH interests. And it is fun and most attractive to digest. Here is my favorite part, but much more time is needed for me to better look at all it has to offer.
The buttons on the right control the screen image you see. Each gives direct details depending on what you are looking for.
Its great fun..and useful too. And here's my favorite so far...
Its great fun..and useful too. And here's my favorite so far...
Alexander Scott was born in Montreal and fought at Monocacy Md. during the US Civil War and was awarded the medal for his bravery. He is among at least 2 dozen Canadians buried at Arlington.
I almost missed bringing you the following plaque possibly erected in 2021 and dedicated this year regarding Mosher Harding and the other MOH recipients. It was erected by the Cochise County Arizona Historical Society. Note in the left column, Mosher Harding's name being the 6th from the top.
I almost missed bringing you the following plaque possibly erected in 2021 and dedicated this year regarding Mosher Harding and the other MOH recipients. It was erected by the Cochise County Arizona Historical Society. Note in the left column, Mosher Harding's name being the 6th from the top.
More next Sunday,
Bart
Bart
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