Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois as the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." The legislation, supported by numerous veterans advocacy groups in Illinois, honors Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, of Clinton, Illinois.
Corporal Jackson Smith was a member of the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry and distinguished himself on 30 November 1864 by saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during a bloody charge at the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington provides important primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, laboratory services, and pharmacy services to veterans who served our nation with honor," said Rep. LaHood. "Renaming the facility after Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, who served our nation and the Union side with honor during the Civil War, will serve as a humble reminder of the sacrifice made by those who fought to defend our country. I am honored to recognize Corporal Jackson Smith's courage and I will continue to work with our veteran community in the 16th District to ensure they receive the resources and support they deserve."
"I support HR 5597 which tells a fantastic story of America and its way of healing over time. Andrew Jackson Smith went from slave to owner of his father’s farm, to Medal of Honor recipient. What a story and where else could this of happened, but in the United States of America. I endorse this House Resolution to be enacted by both the House and Senate of the United States of America," said Art Rodriguez, District 17 Commander for the Illinois American Legion.
"This act of bravery during combat reflects the highest of military values. I stand in solidarity with my comrades in the Bloomington area veteran community, and officially encourage you to recognize the nomination of naming rights to Andrew Jackson Smith," said Travis Wheet, Commander, John H. Kraus Post 454 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
"Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith went beyond what a solider was expected to do on November 30,1864. He saw that his regimental colors needed to be saved and did so in a distinguished manner along with his extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire. I read his accomplishments and this is a most worthy recognition for him," said Steven Holt, Commander of AMVETS Illinois.
Full text of the legislation can be read HERE.
Background:
- The legislation introduced by Rep. LaHood would designate the community-based outpatient clinic at 207 Hamilton Road, Bloomington, IL as the Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs.
- In the late afternoon on November 30, 1864 during the Battle of Honey Hill, SC, as the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry Regiment pursued enemy skirmishers and conducted a running fight, they ran into a swampy area backed by a rise where the Confederate Army awaited. The 55th and 54th regiments formed columns to advance to the enemy position in a flanking movement. As the Confederates repelled other units, the 55th and 54th regiments continued to move into flanking positions.
- Although half of the officers and a third of the enlisted men engaged in the fight were killed or wounded, Corporal Smith continued to expose himself to the enemy fire by carrying the colors throughout the battle.
- Through his actions, the Regimental Colors of the 55th Infantry Regiment were not lost to the enemy. Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith's extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, the 55th Regiment, and the United States Army.
- The legislation is supported by the Department of Illinois American Legion, the ILVFW, and the AMVETS Post 270.
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