Write a commentThe Oswego County Historical Society held an observation of National Medal of Honor Day on Monday.
National Medal of Honor Day pays tribute to the more than 3,500 soldiers, sailors and airmen who have been awarded our country's highest honor for heroism. National Medal of Honor Day was first observed on March 25, 1991.
First awarded on March 25, 1863, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President, representing Congress, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." 618 Medals have been presented posthumously.
Oswego County is the home of several Medal of Honor recipients. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Curtis F. Shoup (1921-1945) of Scriba was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions near Tillet, Belgium on January 7, 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge. He is buried in Scriba, and his medal is on display today at the Historical Society's Richardson-Bates House Museum.
U.S. Army Private Carlton W. Barrett (1919-1986) from Fulton was the only soldier who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944 and lived to receive his Medal of Honor. Three other soldiers were given the award posthumously. Barrett was given the award for gallantry and intrepidity for his actions that day, when he "returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning."
The other local Medal of Honor recipient is Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a native of the Town of Oswego. Dr. Walker is the first, and so far only, female to receive this honor. As a combat surgeon serving with the 352nd Ohio Infantry, Dr. Walker was captured as a prisoner of war after crossing Confederate lines to treat wounded civilians. She was later released in an exchange of prisoners, and received her Medal in 1865.
At the local ceremony today, Oswego Town Historian George Demass spoke regarding Dr. Walker's Medal citation, detailing her long and storied career. Laurie Marrano-Johnson, Scriba Town Historian, told those gathered about the heroism of 24 year old SSgt. Shoup and how he came to be a Medal recipient.
Oswego County Historical Society President Mary Kay Stone also spoke briefly. She said that the Society is in possession of Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor, and is in the midst of preparing for it to be displayed. The goal is to have it ready by June 8, 2024 when the Dr. Mary Walker commemorative quarter is issued by the US Mint. A ceremony, including several prominent guests, is being planned for then, with additional details to be released soon.
