20070915 Antietam museum to display Civil War medal of honor by Karen Gardner, Frederick News-Post

Antietam museum to display Civil War medal of honor

By Karen Gardner, News-Post Staff September 15, 2007

An original Medal of Honor given to a Vermont man for his actions during the Battle of South Mountain will be donated to the museum at Antietam National Battlefield on Monday.

There will be a ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Visitor Center.

The medal belonged to 1st Lt. George W. Hooker, 4th Vermont Infantry. He was given the country’s highest honor for the single-handed capture of 116 Confederate soldiers and their colors at the Battle of Crampton’s Gap on Sept. 14, 1862.

Henry Willard, a direct descendent of Hooker will present the medal to park superintendent John Howard.

The program will also feature commentary by several historians.

Local author John Schildt will discuss the spirit of sacrifice of fighting service members in wars. Antietam historian Ted Alexander will speak on the Medal of Honor in the Civil War and the Maryland Campaign. His talk will cover the other medals awarded at Antietam.

Al Preston, historian of the South Mountain State Battlefield, will provide commentary on Hooker’s actions in the Battle of Crampton’s Gap. Singer Hedy Henderson will perform several patriotic numbers. Afterward, the medal will be on display in the visitor center lobby for the duration of the evening’s event. The event is free. For details call 301-432 -5124.

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History American Civil War, History American Civil War Antietam