Beyond Broomsticks
A Look Back at Salem's Medal of Honor Recipients
In honor of Veterans day let's look back at the deeds of valor that generated the highest military award for these five men of Salem.
Long before there was a Armistice or Veterans Day, Salem, like many other places, gave homage to veterans by naming streets and squares after them. Through the years Salem has continued to honor our veterans, both living and dead who exemplified American resolve and dedication through their actions under fire. Currently there are some 69 squares named for veterans in the city. There are also a number of streets named for veterans including the recently named Sgt. James Ayube II Memorial Drive who was killed in action in Afghanista on Dec 8, 2011. Salem is noteworthy as having had five (Congressional) Medals of Honor bestowed on Salemites over the years since the Medal of Honor was instituted in 1862. While four of the five were not …
ACG
8:21 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Great article. Love local history stories like this and thank you for recognizing local Veterans. I also like that "Congressional" was placed in the manner that it was. "(Congressional)". The medal is awarded by the President on behalf of Congress. It is often erroneously referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. For some reason it really irks me when I hear people refer to it as such. "… more ›