A few recent blogs brought you more on the story about Nova Scotia's Black Civil War veteran... Ben Jackson. The community and the province have made him out to be a hero earning a medal. But I have noted in the past that his service, while no doubt brave, was NOT recognized by the Union as being heroic.
I have spent considerable time on this claim of a medal being awarded. Days ago I located the actual report of the commanding officer of the ship Jackson served on during the major battle at Mobile Bay Alabama in August 1864.
Here it is...
I have spent considerable time on this claim of a medal being awarded. Days ago I located the actual report of the commanding officer of the ship Jackson served on during the major battle at Mobile Bay Alabama in August 1864.
Here it is...
There have been a variety of reports of deaths on board the warship and these include several claims of serious injuries.
But the commander of the USS Richmond made no such remarks in his report of the day to his Admiral. He clearly stated the opposite when writing that his men only suffered 2 minor injuries.
Jackson's claims for disability pensions in later years give various dates, types of injuries and how caused. The gist seems to be that at some point his right hand, and possibly arm were injured. One claim stating it was caught between the ship and a cutter being moored.
But the injury would seemingly fall far below what one would assume was worthy of his being recognized as a hero. One that would normally see a Medal of Honor being awarded.
No such award was made!
Moving along, the image I included of the Jackson grave stone in Nova Scotia, was off very poor quality. Below is a much better image.
But the commander of the USS Richmond made no such remarks in his report of the day to his Admiral. He clearly stated the opposite when writing that his men only suffered 2 minor injuries.
Jackson's claims for disability pensions in later years give various dates, types of injuries and how caused. The gist seems to be that at some point his right hand, and possibly arm were injured. One claim stating it was caught between the ship and a cutter being moored.
But the injury would seemingly fall far below what one would assume was worthy of his being recognized as a hero. One that would normally see a Medal of Honor being awarded.
No such award was made!
Moving along, the image I included of the Jackson grave stone in Nova Scotia, was off very poor quality. Below is a much better image.
Had Jackson been a hero, this marker would have included the fact that he was a Medal of Honor recipient. No such indication, tells the reader that those involved in it's creation knew he was NOT A HERO. Further. there are two US flags, why none for Canada?
The star shaped marker indicates that Jackson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group often mentioned in past blogs.
Switching subject to an actual hero, I have brought the you the story in the past about Patrick Donohoe, who was awarded a Victoria Cross for actions on 28 September 1857 during the Indian Mutiny.
There are many claims that this hero had a brother who served with the US forces and earned a Medal of Honor. Truly a one of a kind story, if true!
But as noted in this space in the past, the two men were NOT RELATED!
While investigating the story I learned that the entire VC group of medals, six in all, that Patrick was awarded were in Western Canada. With the promise to not reveal where they were, I was given the once in a life time opportunity to travel there, to see the medals myself.
During the early 2011 trip I was actually even permitted to hold them. What an honor. This now joins the ranks of the William Hall and Smokey Smith VC's, all having my fingerprints on them. Over the years I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing the late Smokey 4 times.
Patrick Donohoe's VC group of metals, complete with my prints (hmm) came up for auction in England on 26 January, just a few weeks past. They sold for about $382,000 in Canadian dollars. I'm still waiting for my share for the sale of my fingerprints.(hehe)
The star shaped marker indicates that Jackson was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a group often mentioned in past blogs.
Switching subject to an actual hero, I have brought the you the story in the past about Patrick Donohoe, who was awarded a Victoria Cross for actions on 28 September 1857 during the Indian Mutiny.
There are many claims that this hero had a brother who served with the US forces and earned a Medal of Honor. Truly a one of a kind story, if true!
But as noted in this space in the past, the two men were NOT RELATED!
While investigating the story I learned that the entire VC group of medals, six in all, that Patrick was awarded were in Western Canada. With the promise to not reveal where they were, I was given the once in a life time opportunity to travel there, to see the medals myself.
During the early 2011 trip I was actually even permitted to hold them. What an honor. This now joins the ranks of the William Hall and Smokey Smith VC's, all having my fingerprints on them. Over the years I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing the late Smokey 4 times.
Patrick Donohoe's VC group of metals, complete with my prints (hmm) came up for auction in England on 26 January, just a few weeks past. They sold for about $382,000 in Canadian dollars. I'm still waiting for my share for the sale of my fingerprints.(hehe)
The top picture of these medals have them just laid out on top of a frame for my picture taking back in 2011. Below, in proper order are the Victoria Cross, the Gwalior Campaign Star, the Sutlej Medal, the Punjab Medal with 2 Clasps, (indicating 2 awards), The Indian Mutiny Medal, with 3 clasps, and the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Above we see the front and back of Patrick Donohoe's Victoria Cross. His name is engraved on the suspension bar with his unit... the 9th Lancers engraved below. In the center is the date of his deed... 28 Sept., 1857.
More hopefully on Sunday,
Bart
More hopefully on Sunday,
Bart
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