Gathering held on anniversary of the award
The Medal of Honor was first awarded on March 25, 1863. Since then, there have been a total of 3,517 recipients, of which 676 resided in New York.
On Monday, members of American Legion Post 353 honored the four Cornwall residents who were awarded the Medal of Honor after serving their country with honor, dignity, and heroism.
Since it was first awarded, the Medal of Honor has gone through some changes and three variations currently exist coinciding when each branch of the military decided to create their own medal.
The highest award for military valor was originally bestowed upon enlisted seamen and marines who distinguished themselves by gallantry in action and other seamen – like qualities during the American Civil War, said Legion Vice Commander Bob McLoughlin. In 1862, an Army version was introduced for noncommissioned officers and privates. The U.S. Air Force, in 1956, received authorization to create their own Medal of Honor.
Since then, the medal has undergone numerous legislative, design, and presentation changes which can be seen in the plaques honoring Cornwall’s four recipients.
1st Lt. Abram Pye Haring fought at Bachelor’s Creek, N.C. and resisted the attack of an overwhelming force of the enemy during the Civil War.
Corporal Own McGough received his medal after enduring heavy fire during the first full-scale battle of the Civil War in Bull Run, Va.
During WWII, 2nd Lt. George W. G. Boyce sacrificed his life to save those of his men during the Battle of Driniumor River near Afua, New Guinea.
Corporal William John Brewer also received his medal while fighting in the Civil War. He captured the engineer flag of the Confederate Army. Flags were of great importance because they were used to rally troops and also represented home states.
“Regardless of what ranks they held, what mission they were carrying out, they all demonstrated true Americanism and leadership on the battlefield,” said Vice Commander Richard Randazzo.
Captain Paul Bucha, who also received the Medal of Honor and currently resides in Cornwall, was invited to the ceremony, but decided to attend one in Washington, D.C.
