Daily Blog

"Bravery Knows No Nationality..."

6/25/2017

Since this blog started back in December 2012, I have on a regular basis managed to get caught up in story after story that needs 2 or 3 and sometimes even more different blogs to tell. While I have no problem with this, it posses an issue. I regularly do research that brings to light other Medal of Honor and sometimes Victoria Cross stories that also need to be told. These end up being put on hold and soon lost in the shuffle.

Over the past several months a few great stories have eaten up much space and true to form, others got lost.

Today I want to back-track and bring you brief notes about 4 in June alone. And there are lots before still needing attention in this space.

A story out of Owen Sound Ontario no doubt caught the eyes of many a historian and millions of others interested in Canadian History. This city, some 200 km north-west of Toronto on the southern shores of Georgian Bay is the hometown of famed Canadian Billy Bishop, our country's greatest air ace of WI and Air Marshall of WWII.

The museum at his old home, and now a National Heritage Site, opened up a new exhibit of artifacts, model planes of the era and other trivia. Descendants attended and Billy's very uniform and medals, loaned to the Canadian War Museum, were loaned back for the several day display that started on 4 June.

At the very cemetery in the city where Billy is buried, at rest are also 2 other Victoria Cross recipients... Tommy Holmes and David Currie.

The Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board has created and had mounted these memorials honouring the three city VC recipients. They are mounted on 1st Avenue across from the city library.

At the rear of the museum home, the provincial Lt. Governor was on hand for the planting of a small oak sapling, and unveiling of a plaque. The oak seed came to
Canada form the very fields at Vimy Ridge, grown into a sapling and sent to Ontario.

A second plaque was unveiled, on 3rd Avenue West between 10th and 11th Streets, renaming same as the new Billy Bishop VC Way.

About a week later another story told of the re-running of the play, famous across North America, and called... "Billy Bishop Goes To War."

Both events were in honour of the 100th anniversary of the 2 June 1917 solo attack on an air station by Bishop. Later the story was challenged as no witnesses came forth, but the claim was that he shot down 3 planes about to take off after him, and destroyed several others on the ground. For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Billy Bishop was credited with 72 planes destroyed or shot down, and thus became Canada's top air ace.

Switching now to the Medal of Honor, a story came up in my searches involving a connection of sorts to Canada. It came out of Massachusetts and involved a Spanish War Cable cutting recipient by the name of Herbert Foss. Regular readers have read much in this space about the several Canadians involved in that same incident and who were later awarded their own Medals of Honor.

US Navy Seaman Herbert Foss is shown here proudly wearing his Navy style Medal of Honor around his neck and directly below that is the Sampson Medal with several campaign bars and other medals. Is was taken in 1899 or later. He served on the USS Marblehead as did Chadwick and several Canadians mentioned in the past here.

Foss was from Hingham and at some point his picture, actual medals and others items were donated to city hall, which in turn produced a small display in their front lobby for the town's only MOH recipient. In the display they even have an actual piece of the very cable cut from the underwater communications cable that was cut back during the Spanish American War. Images of this are on this site in past blogs.

Here is the original grave marker in Ma. for Herbert Foss. Note the engraved MEDAL of HONOR across the top. As noted in many earlier blogs, PEI's Charles MacGillivary, a MOH recipient from WWll, and Congressional Medal of Honor Society President at one point, was instrumental in the creation of the new standard markers for recipients across the US, Canada and the world. Below is one of these, and it was actually unveiled at the site by Sgt. MacGillivary many a year ago.

The mid June news about Foss tells of a years long movement to have a major facility in town named after him. It had been pointed out a few years back that just about 5 KM away, at Weymouth there were 5 MOH men so awarded, and each had a school named after them.

Well the good news is that earlier this month it was announced that earlier approvals for a monument had come to life. Close to the water's edge, were any a sailor would approve, stands the Hingham Shipyard. And therein, in past years many a landing ship tank had been built.

And now it can boast being the home for the Foss memorial.

Some 125 guests were on hand, including a great grand daughter, shown above, to witness the unveiling of this sculpture. It was created just from the available picture shown above.

A June newspaper story from Nova Scotia also deserves honourable notice. It's headline reads... "10 Famous Historical Figures from South West Nova Scotia..."

The short article included the picture of William Hall, Canada's only coloured Victoria Cross recipient, who was also our first from the naval service and 3rd VC earned by one of our own. The article like the 9 others was most brief. Eight were on non military folks.

But the tenth, though not listed in that order, was none other than our favorite fellow..Joseph Noil of Medal of Honor fame, even though he was buried under the wrong spelling and without any notice of MOH status for over 130 years.

If you go back about a year or slightly more, little was ever known in NS or Canada about Joseph Noil. But with the great work done by so many and the recent unveiling at DC of the new MOH marker for Noil, the story has literally been exposed to MILLIONS.

Finally he is getting the recognition he deserves.

Here is the result of work done by this blog for some 8 yrs shared by many others over the years. It speaks for itself. And the people of Nova Scotia can now see why this man surely belongs on this wonderful recent list in the media. As its own provincial heritage minster recently said, the book of Nova Scotia has yet to be completed and surely he need to be a chapter in that book. Many a reader of this blog will agree I am sure.

And speaking of remembering our past I will leave you with this wonderful image....

It was early in the year back in 2005 when I contacted the Canadian Embassy at Washington DC to request some action in the recognition of what was then a smaller number of Canadians who were thought to have been Medal of Honor recipients. The numbers have grown since then. The embassy advised that they had no files on these individuals did not know the numbers or deeds and requested further information.

Such was sent with the request that the Ambassador take some of the Canadian staff to Arlington to honor about a dozen MOH recipients there, and to do so on National Medal of Honor Day, 25 March. The very day back in 1863 when the first ever Medals were actually presented to six heroes, said by many to be the first awards. Though it was later learned by many that several medals would later be awarded but for actions previous to the six Andrews Raiders honored in 1863.

The embassy loved the idea but soon leaned that as the president visits Arlington on MOH day often, it would be shut down to many other activities. They later advised me that they would definitely follow up on a ceremony at Arlington to honor these heroes but it would have to be on another day.

They soon advised that a date was picked... it was July Ist... Canada Day.. and so on Canada Day on 2005, a dozen years ago a ceremony was conducted by Ambassador McKenna and his top military man ...attache Rear Admiral Ian Mack. Both shown above. With them went a Lt Colonel, a Master Warrant Officer and several other ranks. They visited the graves noted, read a brief citation and placed a flag for Canada. From then till today I believe Embassy officials have often visited this famous cemetery to pay respects to these heroes and a handful of other Canadians interred there.

In the 2005 speech the Ambassador said that "Bravery Knows No Nationality." indeed how true.

As we celebrate our 150th, let us not forget our Medal of Honor Men, and our Victoria Cross men, and indeed all military past, present and encourage those yet to come forward to take that first stop when the torch is tossed their way.

Hoping you have a happy July 1st and that you take a few moments to reflect on these men, women and their loved ones,

Bart

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If at first you don't succeed...

6/19/2017

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Can you remember the days of the $.53 carton of milk, the dozen eggs for $.34 and loaf of bread for $.06. Neither can I but I do remember reading about these seemingly ridiculous prices. Of course this was back before the Great War.

Bet "Babe" could remember, if he was still alive!

He'd follow the footsteps of others before that war. Some 20,000 others who wanted to do their bit for King and Country. Who'd care that they were still kids..under 18 and forbidden to join the army of the day.

One of these was sent home to recover after being shot in the trenches. He was only 12 years old! Another was I believe 15 when he finally got signed up. He'd no doubt heard in the past that...if at first you don't succeed... and put it to the test. After apparently crossing the country and trying over 200 times the army finally accepted the teen in November of 1915. Just 2 of 20,000 such stories perhaps.

Our country had no standing army before the war, only 3,100 in the militia and another 75,000 in our "citizen army," and desperately needed men. Or should I say... boys.

But wait, maybe we could maybe take the enemy by sea... with our TWO ships! Well maybe we could send in a horse...

Here's "Babe" proudly wearing the uniform of the 34th Fort Gary Horse. One has to wonder how he got past the recruiter lying about his age. Alan was born in the town of Stonewall, some 25 km n/w of Winnipeg in 1899, and from the above picture, at age 14, it is little wonder how he got the nickname "Babe."

He'd apparently done little other than grunt work. Like the grooming of horses and shoveling their you know what before someone got the wiser and sent him back home because of his age.

When only 15, the Great War was declared, and somehow his age was detected and he was sent home. But not giving up, Alan repeatedly tried to get into the army both at Winnipeg and later Toronto and again was refused because of his age.

When finally of age, Babe had better luck with the air force. At Winnipeg he got accepted into the Royal Flying Corps as a pilot in training and sent off to Toronto to "get his wings".
He'd take training along the water front in the western part of the city at an area called Long Branch, which would no doubt have him flying over lake Ontario regularly. After only 3 hours of in-flight training he did his first solo flight. After just 47 hrs of further training, he was awarded his wings.

On 20 August 1917 Alan sailed from Halifax aboard the CPR's liner Metagama, then a troop carrier, and off to London.

There "Babe" would get more training and soon flying night patrols with the 57th Squadron as part of the home defense. He'd by then probably replaced his nickname and would be properly referred to as 2nd Lt Alan McLeod.

Ir is pretty hard to see, but in this image it appears that Alan is wearing his rank of a 2nd Lt. He is certainly wearing an officer's Sam Brown belt, and has a officer's swagger stick in hand.

By late August of 1917, Alan had been shipped off to France and was then flying with the 82nd Squadron. Within the next several months 2nd Lt Alan McLeod had shot down an enemy Fokker and an aerial observation balloon and had been awarded several Mentions in Dispatch for his heroism. (MID's) Each is an actual bravery award.

In this partial map of France you can see the English Channel to the left, at bottom slightly to right of center is Amiens, often mentioned in past blogs, and to the right about midway up is a place called Albert. The later being about 200 km from the Channel and about 25 km from Amiens.

It would be here that this Canadian, flying with the Royal Flying Corps, would enter the history books forever!

On Wednesday, 27 March 1918 the "Babe" and his observer shot down an German try-plane. Then another came along, and they shot it down Then 7 others gave chase and they shot down another three. But then enemy lead found its mark. His fuel tank became engulfed in flames and he had to ditch the enemy and make a crash landing. Miraculously both he and his observer survived the day. He with five wounds. His mate with 6. And if that wasn't enough, he had to haul his fellow officer out of the flame engulfed plane.

His partner was awarded the Military Cross. And Allan, recommended for the Distinguished Service Order, had the recommendation upgraded to the very Victoria Cross that King George V pinned on his chest at Buckingham Palace on 4 September 1918.

Here's what the London Gazette had to say about the Babe...

2nd Lt Alan McLeod's Victoria Cross date of action makes him the youngest VC recipient in the Royal Air Corps, and the youngest in Canada, if you do not factor in Newfoundland.

Up until 1949 it was still a colony of Britain. But Alan was about 5 months older than Newfoundland's famous Sgt Thomas Ricketts of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who is believed to be the youngest Army VC recipient in the world at about age 17 1/2.

Due to Alan's injuries his father, a doctor by profession, traveled to England to be at his side. Shortly after the investiture he brought the young hero back to Canada. But it could not have been a worse time. The Spanish Influenza was plaguing the country and many parts of the world.

Because of his weakened system it soon attacked him, and sadly within short order, just days before the Armistice that ended the bloody war was signed, this hero passed away at Stonewall were he rests to this day.

This is the original family marker in Stonewall for Alan and his parents. Note the engraved air force crest and also the Victoria Cross. He is being identified as a Lt. but records suggest he died while still holding the rank of a 2nd Lt.

There have been many memorials erected in Honour of Alan McLeod including the above sign in his hometown. He has been inducted in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame, a RCAF hangar at CFB Borden, one of only 8 still remaining from WWl is dedicated in his name, and Air Force Annex also at Borden named in his honour and the 1st Canadian Air Division Head Quarters honours Alan's bravery.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron #301 carries his name and a bust to this famous Canadian has been erected at his old high school in Stonewall.

And last month Alan received yet another honour.

Back at Alan's grave site this beautiful memorial is about to unveiled by retired Brig. General David Kettle, on the left and Alan Adams on the right.

General Kettle is the serving Secretary General of the Canadian Agency of Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Ottawa and Mr Adams is a nephew of Alan McLeod's. The plaque beside the grave marker tells the story of Allan's heroism, first in French and then English.

see you with another update on Sunday...
Bart

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Post delayed till Wed.

6/18/2017

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Several things have come up and while the next blog is started, it may not be finished till Wednesday. Sorry for the delay folks.
Bart

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One internet site slow to correct a MOH error, another brings a reoccurring MOH error to the front and new info surfaces here on yet a 3rd Medal of Honor man!

6/11/2017

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Let's start with First Sergeant John Hanna, a Nova Scotia born Civil War veteran. He was one of 29 chosen to escort the body of Abraham Lincoln on the funeral train route from Washington to Springfield back in 1865. Three recent blogs here told of his story.

A researcher contacted me to help with his group's efforts to locate the Hanna Grave. When I, with help from another, found it, the cemetery insisted we had the right name but wrong grave. They insisted their man had served during the Civil War with the 95th Pa Infantry. The Canadian did not. They were unable to supply any supporting info.

A search by friends of the cemetery then turned up a great obit, but it also mentioned the 95th. But at my request another researcher pulled the files of both men at the US National Archives in Washington. Therein we got the proof verifying that the 95th man was buried in another cemetery, and the Canadian was at the above cemetery. They now agree that the Canadian is now hopefully at better rest at their cemetery.

The supplier of the info below was sent several emails, and now a 2nd one has also been sent to the below organization. But as of yesterday this information has still not been corrected. Nor has either responded to my emails.

Hopefully that will be resolved soon. More info is also being sought on the Canadian Hanna and will be provided when received.

Note the incorrect info above re the 95th. The Canadian first enlisted with the 40th NY Infantry. He then served with the 2nd US Cavalry and finally with the 14th Veterans Corps, and from there was selected for the funeral duties.

On another front, a story that mentioned British Columbia born Medal of Honor hero Douglas Munro was published by a Seattle paper most recently.

The story was a brief intro of a paragraph long on about 2 dozen Medal of Honor men, with each story complete with an image of the hero, or one that depicts the events that lead to their awards. But something caught my eye in this otherwise great story.

This site's editing function continues to throw roadblocks my way... and thus such sloppy cropping above. Regardless, the clip says that the stories are about Washington State born recipients and that the information comes from the well known HOME OF HEROES website.

What concerns me is that one of the stories in the newspaper article is about Munro who is clearly a NON-AMERICAN born recipient, and comes from Vancouver BC.

As evidenced in many many places... including the very source they quote. ...Here's one such notice...

Most difficult to read, but the first line notes that Munro was Vancouver BC born.

As do the above two clips re Munro, and from the same source.

But they finally get it right, as shown above.

Now, on to something much more positive.

Much has been written in this space about the Cable Cutting incident during the Spanish American War and how 52 Medals of Honor were awarded for bravery in this incident back in 1898. During the short war several Canadians were among those honoured and a handful were for heroism during the Cable Cutting.

My early research into the Canadian medaled men from that event exposed me to the name of a Delaware man by the name of Leonard Chadwick. His bravery was whilst working at the very side of Canadians medaled for that same incident.

Chadwick's name also came up while I was researching the 6 Americans who were awarded the Victoria Cross. (4 while fighting with Canadian troops in the Great War.) Chadwick was not one of these, but while doing the VC work, I came across the story of the Queens Scarf, also often mentioned in this space in the past. And as duly noted previously, Chadwick was awarded one of the 8 Queens scarf's.

Over the years, 7 of the scarfs have been accounted for, but Chadwick's was not. Till now.

Sort of!

Other stories have kept me from bringing you news I have been sitting on for about a month regarding Leonard, his Medal of Honor and his scarf.

For several years I was a proud member of the Delaware Medal of Honor Society. It has recently been morphed into another due to aging of its founder and thoughts that it best be put in the hands of new and younger keepers of the watch, if you will. For several years we exchanged MOH information and we and many others had been on the hunt for Chadwick family for a long time, but with little in the way of results.

But a month ago that all changed when distant relatives found my website and made contact. Many emails and phone calls later, the story emerged that the Queens Scarf was loaned to a most reputable museum. But over the years it somehow lost track of it and cannot now find it. So too for an actual Medal of Honor and a certificate regarding the medal.

I have promised not to reveal where the descendants live, nor the museum as it would lead to them possibly.

The museum has made a recent investigation but as of yet had not turned up the items. Hopefully that will change in time.

But the heirs have some goodies! Items that I venture to bet the world have not seen for many, many, many years.

Over the years the army and navy medals have gone through a number of changes and assortment of ribbons. Above are the first three versions of the army medal.

When a new medal was introduced, or a new ribbon, the old medal or ribbon might have been recalled, or maybe not. Some may have refused to let go of the originals because of the sentimental value they placed in them. Sometimes just ribbons were sent out. Sometimes they were attached and sometimes not. Researchers often pull their hair out trying identify the recipient and if the version is correct or not. And to boot, sometimes a duplicate is issued. So a soldier or sailor could literally have three or more of these critters.

Possible part of the Chadwick story!

His obit says he was buried with the medal. A medal that was never signed out apparently from the museum, in the same manner... or any manner apparently, as it was signed in. So there are possible 2 medals for Chadwick right there.

And the two metal tins in the family closet have another. It was first described to me as being a star, not sure what it was and with no name on it. That is till I suggested they turn it over.

And Wallah... here is what soon came my way, and I take great pride in now showing it to you and the world....

As they say in the navy, it looks like it has slipped it's anchor. HeHe.

Here's a closer look...

It is inscribed... From Congress, for Bravery and Gallantry, to Leonard Chadwick, Apprentice First Class, USS Marblehead, for Cutting of Cable, Cienfuegos, Cuba, May 11 1898.

Not sure why the later ribbon, as it should be the center ribbon shown above. But it may have been altered when a new ribbon was probable sent to the recipient.

Several times during the Civil War and beyond, some generals and admirals issued there own tokens of thanks to those serving under them. What you see here is an example. This a medal created by Admiral Sampson after the Spanish American War. It had over 30 different campaign bars, at above left, top is a bar for Guantanamo and as shown below the bar represents the vessel served on. The reverse also has at the very bottom some of the particular battles. This is Chadwick's medal for action at Cienfuegos where the cable Cutting took place.

The family told me that the medal didn't have his name on it. I told them to look at its edge... and sure enough... there it was...

Here we see...Leonard Chadwick, and rotating the medal further it shows his rank. When the family emailed back they were so excited about all of the info they were getting they said it was more fun than being in a barrel full monkeys. Having never been in such a barrel I took their word for it.

Here are two more great keepsakes. One looks like a business card. Note the image of the MOH bow knot at upper left. These were worn on suits etc in lieu of the actual medals on some occasions.

Past blogs have often mentioned the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. There were other similar groups, one being the above which allowed entry to medaled men who had very high awards but not necessarily the MOH. More on them in a later blog.

Here is another great family heirloom. The actual release document for his service in the Boer War where he earned his Queen's Scarf.

He was voted the bravest of the bravest of the bravest of thousands of men and selected, without any officer's input. The men on the front lines chose him. A major accomplishment. The scarf itself has to dwarf the Medal of Honor when you think about it. Yet it is so little known across North America.

That's enough for this week,
Bart

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General MacArthur once told an audience that they ought not mourn their dead, but praise the fact that they once lived!

6/4/2017

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Many decades earlier General John Logan also shared his thoughts of the departed warriors. In May of 1868 he was the Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former and serving military men who's fraternity, in the decades to come would become one of the most influential of all military organizations in the United States.

His May 8 1868 General Order #11 said...

"I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.

By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.

General John Logan's wishes are still respected across North America. The actual day being set aside may have changed slightly. Even the name of the day has morphed... from Decoration Day to what we all know as Memorial Day. In Canada's Newfoundland the name means something much different, but more on that in a later blog.

Readers are very cognizant of the fact that both men AND WOMEN have paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom across North America, and elsewhere, going back to Revolutionary days if not earlier.

Rather than strewing flowers, these soldiers are placing flags in front of every grave. They measure back one boot length, plant the flag, step back and salute. And these men and women of the guard do it several times as you can see from the load of flags being carried to their "stations." They are members of the famous Old Guard at the Arlington National Cemetery. Before their day was done they would have placed OVER 230,000 flags in honor of a passed man or woman who served their country.

With over 750 non-American born Medal of Honor recipients, it is safe to assume that many of these men, from upwards of 30 countries may well be buried here at Arlington. About half of at least 2 dozen Canadians resting here are MOH recipients. And thus the showing of both flags above.

Last Month I brought you the story of Lenah Higbee, one of only 4 nurses in the entire history of the US Navy's Nursing Corps who was awarded the Navy Cross. Of the 4, hers was the only non posthumous award. The above war ship, which earned 8 Battle Stars in WWll, was named in her honor

The Navy Corps Lenah Higbee served, within a few months, the longest of all nursing Superintendents in the corps history to this day. Above is a new warship to be built and commissions in 2024, and will again carry her name. Her grave is at Arlington and was no doubt one of these honoured with a flag earlier this week. The ship's builder is the very builder of the latest Douglas Munro Cutter which I have written much in this space of late.

Lenah was born in a place called Chatham... New Brunswick, Canada.

Many school and other youth organizations like the Boy Scouts also come out in great numbers across the US to place flags on Memorial Day. These two middle students in Washington state have come out to show their respects for the veterans. They belong to a group called the Upper County Interact Club, and for 5 years have been visiting local cemeteries. The above grave marker ought to be immediately recognized by regular readers as that of the US Coast Guard's ONLY MOH man, Vancouver BC born Douglas Munro, noted above.

And getting back to Medals of Honor, here, possible for the first time ever published, is another of the smoking guns in the case of Nova Scotia born John Hanna. The past three blogs have brought you his story. There was disagreement regarding if the Canadian born Hanna, or an American born veteran of the same name was buried at a Pennsylvania cemetery. The evidence I produced, with the help of others, now has been accepted as confirmation that the Canadian is the veteran buried there.

The images above are the front and back of the Civil War version army Medal of Honor awarded First Sergeant Hanna for his duties, with 28 others, In the final escorting of the remains of the late President Abraham Lincoln from Washington to Springfield in 1865. The image must be very rare indeed. I can only find one other on the net.

The medal is held in good hands, but I have been asked not to reveal where it is in North America, and shall oblige. It reads.... The Congress..to First Sergeant John Hanna Co B, 24th Vet Res Corps for Escort to remains of President Abraham Lincoln, April, 1865.

This was one of the medals that became victim of the 1917 Purge, noted often in this space.

On a final note, earlier today I was sent a most moving clip about a US Naval Reserve Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Loyce Edward Deen.

He was acting as a gunner during an air attack against a Japanese carrier in Manila. Gunner Deen's plane was so shot up that it is strange that it was not blown out of the sky. It managed to make it back home to its own carrier but when it came to a halt Deen was found dead at his station.

The crew decided that the plane should become his coffin and carried out a burial at sea for both. Probably a first and only such burial in US history. Here is a link you should have a look at, and please turn on your speakers

loyceedeen.webstarts.com/uploads/GoingHome.mp4

See you next week with another very important development regarding Medals of Honor.

Bart

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"Bravery Knows No Nationality..."

If at first you don't succeed...

Post delayed till Wed.

One internet site slow to correct a MOH error, another brings a reoccurring MOH error to the front and new info surfaces here on yet a 3rd Medal of Honor man!

General MacArthur once told an audience that they ought not mourn their dead, but praise the fact that they once lived!

Author;
Bart Armstrong, C.D.,
Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

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Categories

"Bravery Knows No Nationality..."

If at first you don't succeed...

Post delayed till Wed.

One internet site slow to correct a MOH error, another brings a reoccurring MOH error to the front and new info surfaces here on yet a 3rd Medal of Honor man!

General MacArthur once told an audience that they ought not mourn their dead, but praise the fact that they once lived!

Author;Bart Armstrong, C.D., Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

Archives

Categories

Author;
Bart Armstrong, C.D.,
Recipient, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers