Civil War Officer and Opelika Resident to Receive Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama is bestowing the nation’s highest military honor on a Union Army officer who was killed more than 150 years ago during the Battle of Gettysburg.

First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing died in July 1863 while standing his ground against Pickett’s Charge.

Congress had to grant an exemption for Cushing, since recommendations for a Medal of Honor must be made within two years of an act of heroism.

Lawmakers also granted exemptions for two Vietnam War veterans.

Opelika resident Army Command Sergeant  Bennie G. Adkins and Army Spc. Donald P. Sloat. They willl be awarded the medal of honor this afternoon. Adkins won the award for heroism in Vietnam during a 33 hour battle in 1966. He retired from the army in 1978. 

 

Sloat was killed in action in 1970.

 

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