Jacob Parrott was only 17 back in 1862 when he and 20 other volunteers were tasked to go into enemy territory during the US Civil War and capture a train.
The group, becoming known as Andrews Raiders, were given the job to cut telegraph lines, destroy rail track behind them and proceed through enemy territory in Georgia to friendly territory. They were also to burn important bridges en-route.
Success would mean a possibly quick end to the war. But they were captured and tortured before final release, as told in earlier blogs in this space.
He and five others would make their way to DC and tell of their horrible ordeals. The six, Parrott being the first, would be the first of most in the group and, over the years 3,500 plus to receive the Medal of Honor over its 158 year history.
The six would be personally presented with actual medals by the Secretary of War and then led up the street to meet and have a brief chat with Abraham Lincoln.
That day was 25 March 1863.
The group, becoming known as Andrews Raiders, were given the job to cut telegraph lines, destroy rail track behind them and proceed through enemy territory in Georgia to friendly territory. They were also to burn important bridges en-route.
Success would mean a possibly quick end to the war. But they were captured and tortured before final release, as told in earlier blogs in this space.
He and five others would make their way to DC and tell of their horrible ordeals. The six, Parrott being the first, would be the first of most in the group and, over the years 3,500 plus to receive the Medal of Honor over its 158 year history.
The six would be personally presented with actual medals by the Secretary of War and then led up the street to meet and have a brief chat with Abraham Lincoln.
That day was 25 March 1863.
This is an army type of the CW era Medals of Honor, is held at West Point and said to be Parrott's actual medal. It might be a possible duplicate.
Several years ago I made contact with family who claim they had the original and sent along this wonderful image of it's reverse. It is shown with Jacob probably in his early 20's.
Several years ago I made contact with family who claim they had the original and sent along this wonderful image of it's reverse. It is shown with Jacob probably in his early 20's.
Over the years several, but not all of the US states have celebrated Andrews Raiders and the Medal on what was termed Medal of Honor Day.
Finally, in 1991 President Herbert W Bush signed a proclamation setting the date in stone as one to remember, celebrate give honor to all those who have bestowed with the medal since its inception in 1863.
Here is his proclamation of 30 years ago....
Finally, in 1991 President Herbert W Bush signed a proclamation setting the date in stone as one to remember, celebrate give honor to all those who have bestowed with the medal since its inception in 1863.
Here is his proclamation of 30 years ago....
A few days back... on the 24th a US TV station carried a story on its website with regards to this important event. In highlighting the accomplishments of the Medal of Honor men of its state, that being Michigan.
It noted that it had 110 recipients with connection to the state, and then listed each with brief details about their citations. This was a wonderful action on their part to highlight those brave soles. It however missed # 111.
That hero was Canadian sailor James Stoddard from Ontario. He had enlisted with the US Navy for one year and was assigned to serve on the USS Marmora. (shown below)
It noted that it had 110 recipients with connection to the state, and then listed each with brief details about their citations. This was a wonderful action on their part to highlight those brave soles. It however missed # 111.
That hero was Canadian sailor James Stoddard from Ontario. He had enlisted with the US Navy for one year and was assigned to serve on the USS Marmora. (shown below)
Within 6 months of enlisted, Stoddard found himself serving on the the 207 ton stern wheeler assigned to drive the Confederates back from taking over Yazoo City, Mississippi. In order to do so he and a handful of other sailors had to fasten their riffled howitzer onto a field carriage and bring it into action against a far greater enemy force. They had succeeded in driving them off but not until their gun was silenced and they had to resort to hand to hand combat.
When all was said and done the enemy retreated. Stoddard and two others where later awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism. In addition he was promoted from the rank of Seaman to that of Acting Master's Mate.
His story should have appeared in the above mentioned media story, but it was missing.
But the military and government still remembered him!
In the mid 1940's James Stoddard's heroism was remembered and in so doing the ship USS Stoddard was launched. (image below) The vessel with a crew of over 300, would serve in WW11 and Vietnam and in both wars would itself be awarded three battle stars for its incredible performance in those wars.
When all was said and done the enemy retreated. Stoddard and two others where later awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism. In addition he was promoted from the rank of Seaman to that of Acting Master's Mate.
His story should have appeared in the above mentioned media story, but it was missing.
But the military and government still remembered him!
In the mid 1940's James Stoddard's heroism was remembered and in so doing the ship USS Stoddard was launched. (image below) The vessel with a crew of over 300, would serve in WW11 and Vietnam and in both wars would itself be awarded three battle stars for its incredible performance in those wars.
This story continues on Sunday April 4th.
Please join me then.
Bart
Please join me then.
Bart
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