Charlotte Medal of Honor Memorial

Charlotte Medal of Honor Memorial. . The citizens of Charlotte proudly dedicate this monument to the memory of our two heroes who were awarded the Medal of Honor, The Medal of Honor is America's highest military decoration for valor in combat. It is awarded to individuals whose bravery under fire in the presence of an armed enemy goes above and beyond the call of duty. The act must be performed at a clear risk of life, and it must be proven without a doubt that the recipient is indeed among the bravest of the brave. Each medal is presented personally the the President of the United States whenever possible. Harry S. Truman once told a recipient, as he hung the medal around the hero's neck, "I would rather have this medal than be President.", Francis C. Flaherty , Ensign U.S. Naval Reserve , World War II , 1919 - 1941 , Citation , For conspicuous devotion to duty and extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ens. Flaherty remained in a turret, holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life., Michael Hudson , Sgt. U.S. Marine Corps , Civil War , 1834 - 1891 , Citation , On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked the decks, Sgt. Hudson fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2-hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee.