Jan 31 , 2026

Alonzo Cushing and the Gettysburg Courage That Turned the Tide

Alonzo Cushing never flinched as death tore through his veins. The roar of cannon fire churned the Pennsylvania air, shrouded in smoke and desperation. His hands gripped the brass of his artillery piece, every breath ragged, every heartbeat a countdown. Blood soaked the frozen ground beneath his feet, but he stayed. Held the line. Fired as if his life depended on it—because, hell, it did.

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The Boy Who Became Steel

Born in Wisconsin on January 23, 1841, Alonzo Herndon Cushing was raised amidst discipline and devotion. West Point came calling early. Graduating in 1861, he stepped into a world unraveling. The Union pressed him to hold the Union’s ragged heart.

Faith ran deep in Cushing’s veins. Raised Presbyterian, Scripture framed his dignity in anguish. He carried a coded armor beyond muskets and ammunition — a warrior’s faith. In the crucible of war, one’s soul is tested as fiercely as one’s mettle.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13

Cushing’s code was simple: fight for the right, endure the pain, protect the brothers beside you.

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The Battle That Defined Him

July 3, 1863—Gettysburg, Cemetery Ridge. The most brutal day of the deadliest American battle. As Confederate Gen. George Pickett launched his infamous charge, artillery boomed like thunderbones cracking the earth. Amidst the chaos, Cushing commanded Battery A, 4th U.S. Artillery.

His position sat exposed, vulnerable to a tidal wave of rebel soldiers. An artillery officer deep into the fight, Cushing was struck—once, twice, thrice—wounds tearing into his chest and side. Pain locked his face in grim determination. But he stayed.

Despite mortal wounds, he directed his men to keep firing. Reportedly, he crawled forward to align the guns properly when the officers around him were incapacitated.

“Lieutenant Cushing is killed just at the moment he gave the order to open a more destructive fire than was ever opened before. . . . We all had guns in our hands, waiting for orders, yet no one could have fired the guns with a steadier or more determined hand than he.” — Brig. Gen. William F. Barry, chief of artillery, Army of the Potomac[1]

His steadfast command inflicted damage that broke the momentum of Pickett's Charge, arguably shifting the battle’s course—and, by extension, the war.

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Recognition Through Time

Cushing’s valor was undeniable. Yet, the Medal of Honor—the highest decoration—would arrive nearly 150 years later.

Posthumously awarded on November 4, 2014, President Barack Obama declared:

“Today we honor a soldier whose courage helped redeem a nation… Alonzo Cushing will forever stand as a symbol of sacrifice and resolve.”[2]

His citation detailed:

“While holding his position and under heavy fire, then First Lieutenant Cushing continued to direct his men, coordinating a counter-barrage which repulsed Pickett’s Charge, until he was mortally wounded.”

Stories from comrades describe a man who fought not for glory but for duty, who believed the cost of freedom was his life and more.

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Enduring Legacy of Sacrifice and Purpose

Cushing’s story bleeds into every veteran’s war-torn soul. It’s a reminder that true courage emerges not in absence of fear, but in standing despite it. His wounds are reminders—scars of sacrifice etched on history’s face.

He held fast at Gettysburg when the cause seemed impossible. Like David at his sling, he stood against overwhelming menace with unwavering faith.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18

His sacrifice echoes with the countless who walk the edges of life and death for something greater than self. They don’t seek medals or monuments. They seek to leave behind a legacy of hope forged in hellfire.

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Alonzo Cushing died with the smoke of battle in his lungs but fire in his heart. His gunfire, his grit, his grace under unbearable pain—these are the hymns of those who’ve seen death stare back and still chosen to fight for light.

We owe more than memories. We owe their stories retold faithfully, their faith respected deeply, and their sacrifices honored endlessly.

He stands still—etched in bronze, but alive in every warrior’s soul who answers the call to bear the scars of freedom.

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Sources

[1] U.S. Army Center of Military History, Medal of Honor Recipients—Civil War (A–F) [2] The White House Archives, Statement on Alonzo Cushing Medal of Honor Award, November 4, 2014

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