Thank you, Ohio!
Ohio played a tremendous role in American History
"Don't Give Up the Ship"
The Battle of Lake Erie
This is the Society for the Preservation of Ohio History's first film. Including a variety of footage collected from Northeast Ohio, Put-In-Bay, and Northwest Pennsylvania, as well as footage from the Erie Maritime Museum, featuring the US Brig Niagara, a reconstruction of a pivotal vessel in Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet that defeated the British in the Battle of 1812 on Lake Erie. The film screened at the Akron Public Library in February 2008. Copies are available upon request.
The Very First Medal of Honor Was
Awarded to a Soldier From Ohio
For Conspicuous Gallantry:
Stories of Ohio's Medal of Honor Recipients
History of the Medal of Honor
"For Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity in Action at the Risk of Life, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty." These words are spoken every time a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded in the United States. Since it was established, the Medal of Honor has been presented to 251 Ohio soldiers and sailors.
In 1861, there was a growing movement towards the belief that a national award was needed to recognize the heroism of soldiers and sailors who were fighting and, sometimes, dying for the country under extraordinary circumstances. Iowa Senator James W. Grimes, chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, introduced a bill for the creation of a Naval Medal of Honor. After approval by both Houses of Congress, President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law on December 21, 1861.
Two months later, Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts introduced a Senate resolution providing for the Army Medal of Honor. On July 12, 1862, President Lincoln signed that resolution into law.
On March 25, 1863, Private Jacob Parrott, Company K, 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I) became the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for being a member of "Andrews' Raiders."
Andrews' Raiders successfully commandeered a Confederate train near Atlanta. Before their capture, they were able to damage Confederate railway tracks and communications lines.
Defenders of the Flags
During the Civil War, 154 Medals of Honor were awarded to Ohio soldiers and sailors. Of these, forty men were recognized for capturing a Confederate flag or saving their own regiment's colors. While in every war in which the United States has participated the soldiers and sailors who followed them into battle revered battle flags, this was especially true during the Civil War. Whether it was their own unit's or the enemy's, flags on a Civil War battlefield were the center of the soldiers' attention...
Continues here: Ohio History: Gallantry
The Ohio State University Battle Cry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
