Philatelic Photograph: Place de la Concorde - Paris, France

Interesing Places I've Photographed

Place de la Concorde

Paris, France

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

South Fountain and the Obelisk of Luxor

Obelisk of Luxor

GPS: N48° 51.890; E002° 19.230

Quick Description: 

The Place de la Concorde is located at the east end of the Champs-Élysées. It is the largest public square in Paris.

Long Description:

The stamp and the photograph depict the Place de la Concorde as seen looking north with the Pont de la Concorde behind you. In the foreground are the south fountain and the Obelisk of Luxor. In the background are the Hôtel de Crillon, the Rue Royal leading to the Church of the Madeleine, and the Hôtel de la Marine. The Place de la Concorde was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 to separate the Champs-Élysées to the west and the Tuileries Garden to the east.

There are two similar fountains in the Place de la Concorde both were constructed during the time of King Louis-Philippe. They were designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff, and based on the fountains of Italy. Both fountains have a stone basin with six naiads holding fish that spout water, six seated allegorical figures with their feet on the prows of ships support the pedestal. Four statues above represent of different areas of the arts. The north fountain represents the European rivers the Rhone and the Rhine. The south fountain, shown here, is closer to the Seine and represented the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas. The statues of the arts represented astronomy, navigation and commerce.

The Obelisk of Luxor is located between the fountains. This Egyptian obelisk was once located at the entrance to the Luxor Temple in Egypt. It is decorated with hieroglyphics dating from the reign of the pharaoh Ramesses II. It was given by the Egyptian government to the French in 1829 and arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833. On October 25, 1836, King Louis Philippe had it placed in the center of Place de la Concorde. The obelisk is made of yellow granite, is 75' high, and weighs over 250 metric tons.

In the background, to the north, are two buildings separated by the Rue Royal. The western building is the Hôtel de Crillon and the eastern building houses the French Naval Ministry. Deep in the background at the end of the Rue Royal is the Church of the Madeleine.

The stamp was issued by France in 1947 as part of a four stamp set to commemorate the 12th Congress of Universal Postal Union in Paris from May 7 to July 7, 1947.

Philatelic Photograph: Avenue des Champs-Élysées - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Avenue des Champs-Élysées

Paris, France

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

April 7, 2013 - Paris Marathon Begins

The Eiffel Tower and entourage gets to start the Paris Marathon first.

GPS: N48° 51.995; E002° 19.182

Quick Description: 

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées (Avenue of the Elysian Fields) extends 1.18 miles from Arc de Triomphe l'Etoile on the west to the Place de la Concorde at it's eastern end. No visit to Paris is complete without a stroll along the Champs-Élysées.

Long Description:

Champs-Élysées is named for the place for the blessed dead in Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields. It is considered by many to be "the most beautiful avenue in the world". Looking to the east, uphill from the Place de la Concorde, the Avenue begins with a pair of sculpted horses being restrained by grooms. These two large marble sculptures were commissioned in 1739 for the horse pond in the gardens of the Château de Marly. They were sculpted by Guillaume Coustou the Elder and completed by Guillaume Coustou the Younger. In 1749, they were moved to Paris and placed on their high pedestals at the bottom of the Champs-Élysées.

The next feature are the trees line both sides of the Avenue (on the stamp they are lighted for the New Year 1995). In 1994, the Champs-Élysées was revitalized with new street benches, lamps and a type of sycamore called plane trees that can thrive in an urban environment.

At the top of the Avenue is the famous Paris landmark, the Arc de Triomphe l'Etoile. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 the large triumphal arch honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

The stamp was issued by France on New Year's Eve in 1994. The photographs were taken of the Champs-Élysées on April 7, 2013 on the day of the Paris Marathon.

Philatelic Photograph: Le Départ des volontaires de 1792 - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Le Départ des volontaires de 1792 
(Departure of the Volunteers of 1792)

Paris, France

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

Le Départ des volontaires de 1792 (Departure of the Volunteers of 1792)

Arc de Triomphe

 GPS: N48° 52.431; E002° 17.723

Short Description:

Le Départ des volontaires de 1792 (Departure of the Volunteers of 1792) also called the La Marseillaise was created by by François Rude. It occupies the northeast face of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.

Long Description:

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after the victory of the Grand Army at Austerlitz. The monument was designed in the Neo-classical style by Jean Chalgrin in 1806. When Chalgrin died in 1811, construction was taken over by Jean-Nicolas Huyot. Construction was halted during the Bourbon Restoration (1814 - 1830), and resumed between 1833 and 1836, under the reign of King Louis-Philippe. The architects were Goust, then Huyot working under the direction of Héricart de Thury. The inspiration for the Arch was the Roman Arch of Titus.

In 1833  King Louis-Philippe commissioned  François Rude to create a monumental bas-relief sculpture for the unfinished Arc de Triomphe. The result was the most famous of the four large relief sculptures Le Départ des volontaires de 1792 (The Departure of the Volunteers of 1792).  In this work, created between 1833 and 1836,  he raises to mythic proportions the concept of the French people defending the Republic. A group of  volunteers are shown surging forward  inspired by the large figure of winged Liberty brandishing a sword above them. The relief embodied the patriotic zeal of the French during the Revolution that it came to be known as La Marseillaise, the Revolutionary song that became the national anthem of France.

The four large sculptural groups on the base of the Arc Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile are: The Triumph of 1810 by Cortot, Resistance and Peace both by Antoine Étex, and Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 (commonly called La Marseillaise) by François Rude.

The Arc de Triomphe  is 164' high, 148' wide, and 72' deep. The central vault is 95.8' high and 48.0' wide. The smaller side vaults are 61.3' high and 27.7' wide. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the during the French Revolution and in the Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

The stamp was issued by France on June 27, 1936 as part of a two stamp set issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of  Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, the composer of La Marseillaise.

Philatelic Photograph: Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

Paris, France

Topic: Philatelic Photographs

Southeast Face of the Arch of Triumph

North Side of the Arch of Triumph 

GPS: N48° 52.420; E002° 17.724

Quick Description: 

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is located in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Long Description:

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after the victory of the Grand Army at Austerlitz. The monument was designed in the Neo-classical style by Jean Chalgrin in 1806. When Chalgrin died in 1811, construction was taken over by Jean-Nicolas Huyot. Construction was halted during the Bourbon Restoration (1814 - 1830), and resumed between 1833 and 1836, under the reign of King Louis-Philippe. The architects were Goust, then Huyot working under the direction of Héricart de Thury. The inspiration for the Arch was the Roman Arch of Titus.

The monument is 164' high, 148' wide, and 72' deep. The central vault is 95.8' high and 48.0' wide. The smaller side vaults are 61.3' high and 27.7' wide. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the during the French Revolution and in the Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

Four large sculptural groups are on the base of the Arc Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile are: The Triumph of 1810 by Cortot, Resistance and Peace both by Antoine Étex, and Departure of the Volunteers of 1792 (commonly called La Marseillaise) by François Rude.

The stamp was issued by France on September 20, 2003 as part of a 10 stamp sheet in the on going Aspects of Life in French Regions series. It depicts the southeast side of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile. This is the side that faces the Place de la Concorde and contains the sculptures: The Triumph of 1810 and Departure of the Volunteers of 1792.

Medal of Honor Recipient: Seaman Luke M. Griswold - Springfield, MA

Seaman Luke M. Griswold

Springfield, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

GPS: N42° 07.373; W072° 34.066

Quick Description: 

The burial site of Seaman Luke M. Griswold has recently been discovered in Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield, MA. He is the first person from Springfield to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Long Description:

After being buried in obscurity in an unmarked grave for 121 years, the grave of Medal of Honor recipient Seaman Luke M. Griswold has been located in Springfield's Oak Grove Cemetery and a marble gravestone has been installed. The gravestone was arranged by J. Donald Morfe of Baltimore, Md., an Army veteran and retired executive for BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland.

Luke M. Griswold was born in Springfield in 1837. He enlisted in the Navy at the outbreak of the Civil War and was assigned to the supply ship, USS Rhode Island. On Dec. 30, 1862, his ship dispatched rescue boats to save the crew from the USS Monitor, which was sinking in a storm off Cape Hatteras, N.C. After rescuing two groups of sailors from the Monitor, Griswold’s boat was blown off course in treacherous seas and presumed lost. The boat drifted 50 miles before being picked up by a passing ship.

Griswold died, apparently penniless, in 1892. His wife later died in the Springfield poor house.

A white marble gravestone is inscribed with the image of the Medal of Honor and the following inscription in gold lettering:


LUKE M
GRISWOLD
1837 1892
MEDAL OF HONOR
SEAMAN - US NAVY
USS RHODE ISLAND
Seaman Luke M. Griswold (1837-1892) was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lincoln. He was serving aboard the USS Rhode Island which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the Monitor December 30, 1862. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts to help rescue crew from the sinking Monitor.

Citation from the Center for Military History Website

GRISWOLD, LUKE M.

Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1837, Massachusetts. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Rhode Island which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the Monitor, 30 December 1862. Participating in the hazardous rescue of the officers and crew of the sinking Monitor, Griswold, after rescuing several of the men, became separated in a heavy gale with other members of the cutter that had set out from the Rhode Island, and spent many hours in the small boat at the mercy of the weather and high seas until finally picked up by a schooner 50 miles east of Cape Hatteras. 

Medal of Honor: Cpl. Edward G. Wilkin - Longmeadow, MA

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Corporal Edward G. Wilkin

Longmeadow, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipient 

Corporal Edward G. Wilkin

Family Headstone

Inscription

GPS: N42° 02.990; W072° 34.850

Quick Description: 

The grave of Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Edward G. Wilkin, is located in Longmeadow Cemetery, Longmeadow, MA.

Long Description:

Edward G. Wilkin was born in Burlington, VT on May 25, 1917. He joined the Army in December 1943 while living in Longmeadow, MA. He was a Corporal in Company C, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division fighting in Germany when, on March 18, 1945, he risked his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. One month later, on April 18, 1945 he was killed in action. He was was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 17, 1945.

Medal of Honor Plaque

Corporal Edward G. Wilkin's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

"He spearheaded his unit's assault of the Siegfried Line in Germany. Heavy fire from enemy riflemen and camouflaged pillboxes had pinned down his comrades when he moved forward on his own initiative to reconnoiter a route of advance. He cleared the way into an area studded with pillboxes, where he repeatedly stood up and walked into vicious enemy fire, storming 1 fortification after another with automatic rifle fire and grenades, killing enemy troops, taking prisoners as the enemy defense became confused, and encouraging his comrades by his heroic example. When halted by heavy barbed wire entanglements, he secured bangalore torpedoes and blasted a path toward still more pillboxes, all the time braving bursting grenades and mortar shells and direct rifle and automatic-weapons fire. He engaged in fierce fire fights, standing in the open while his adversaries fought from the protection of concrete emplacements, and on 1 occasion pursued enemy soldiers across an open field and through interlocking trenches, disregarding the crossfire from 2 pillboxes until he had penetrated the formidable line 200 yards in advance of any American element. That night, although terribly fatigued, he refused to rest and insisted on distributing rations and supplies to his comrades. Hearing that a nearby company was suffering heavy casualties, he secured permission to guide litter bearers and assist them in evacuating the wounded. All that night he remained in the battle area on his mercy missions, and for the following 2 days he continued to remove casualties, venturing into enemy-held territory, scorning cover and braving devastating mortar and artillery bombardments. In 3 days he neutralized and captured 6 pillboxes single-handedly, killed at least 9 Germans, wounded 13, took 13 prisoners, aided in the capture of 14 others, and saved many American lives by his fearless performance as a litter bearer. Through his superb fighting skill, dauntless courage, and gallant, inspiring actions, Cpl. Wilkin contributed in large measure to his company's success in cracking the Siegfried Line. One month later he was killed in action while fighting deep in Germany."

A granite stone with a bronze plaque marks the head of his grave. The plaque is inscribed:


THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING:
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS APPROVED MARCH 3, 1863
AND JULY 9, 1918, HAS AWARDED IN THE NAME OF CONGRESS TO
CORPORAL EDWARD G WILKIN A.S. NO. 31,416,626
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
FOR
CONSPICUOUS GALLENTRY AND INTREPIDITY INVOLVING
RISK OF LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
IN ACTION WITH THE ENEMY
NEAR THE SIEGFRIED LINE GERMANY, ON 18 MARCH 1945

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON
THIS 8TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1945
HENRY L. STIMPSON
SECRETARY OF WAR
Below the plaque the granite gravestone is inscribed:


MAY 25, 1917 --- APRIL 18, 1945 KILLED IN ACTION
At the foot of the grave and flush to the ground is a bronze plaque which is inscribed:


{IMAGE OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR}
EDWARD G WILKIN
MEDAL OF HONOR
CPL US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
MAY 25 1917 {ROMAN CROSS} APR 18 1945

Medal of Honor: Sgt. Edwin Leonard - West Springfield, MA

Interesting places I've Photographed

Sgt. Edwin Leonard

West Springfield, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipient

GPS: N42° 06.912; W072° 37.507

Quick Description: 

The grave of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Edward Leonard is located in the Meeting House Hill Cemetery in West Springfield, MA

Long Description:

Sergeant Edwin Leonard was born and entered into service from Agawam, MA and fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his action at the Battle of Petersburg, VA. on June 18, 1864. His grave is located at the extreme northwest corner of the old town cemetery that is officially called the Meeting House Hill Cemetery but locally known as the White Church Cemetery or the Elm Street Cemetery which is located northeast of the intersection of Kings Highway and Elm Street in West Springfield.

Seventeen men earned Medals of Honor for their heroism at Petersburg, Virginia, in the battle that raged from June 15 - 18, 1864. On June 18 Sergeant Edwin Leonard distinguished himself in action when a Union brigade erred and began firing on heir own skirmish line. Sergeant Leonard voluntarily exposed himself to fire from both sides in order to attract the attention of the brigade and halt their fire on his comrades.

Medal of Honor Headstone

A white marble gravestone has inscribed in the center of a shield the image of the Medal of Honor and the following inscription in gold lettering:

EDWIN LEONARD
MEDAL OF HONOR
SERG CO I
37 MASS INF Below the shield are the dates:


1822
1900

Family Headstone

GPS: N42° 06.897; W72° 37.488
A non-adjacent diamond shaped granite family headstone is inscribed:
EDWIN LEONARD 1822 - 1900 SERGT CO I 37 MASS. VOLS RACHEL A. HUGHES HIS WIFE 1825 - 1907
Citation 

LEONARD, EDWIN

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company I, 37th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: Near Petersburg, Va., 18 June 1864. Entered service at: Agawam, Mass. Birth: Agawam, Mass. Date of issue: 16 August 1894. Citation: Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of a Union brigade to stop their firing on the Union skirmish line.

Medal of Honor: Sgt. Andrew Symmes Bryant - Springfield, MA

Interesting places I've Photographed

Sgt. Andrew Symmes Bryant

Springfield, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipient 

Sgt. Andrew Symmes Bryant

GPS: N42° 06.252; W072° 34.441

Quick Description: 

The grave of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Andrew Symmes Bryant is located in Springfield Cemetery on in the center of Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

Andrew Symmes Bryant was born in Springfield, MA on March 03, 1841 and entered into the Union Army from Springfield, MA. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Civil War at the Battle of New Bern, North Carolina on May 23, 1863. He died in Springfield, MA on October 06, 1931. His grave is located in a family plot east side of the far north end of Springfield Cemetery.

Sergeant Andrew Bryant was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership, valor, courage and judicious disposition of his guard of sixteen men at the battle of New Bern, NC. New Bern was militarily significant because the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad which connected the coast to the interior passed through the city. Sgt. Bryant's men were stationed in a small earthwork at the head of the bridge. They defended their position were able to repulse for a half hour a strong attack by a superior force of the Confederate soldiers. Their action was instrumental in saving the city New Bern from capture. New Bern came under control of the Union Army where is remained for the duration of the war.

The grave of Sgt. Andrew Symmes Bryant is marked by a granite headstone similar to and flanked by those of family members and a bronze Medal of Honor plaque set at ground level.

Medal of Honor Plaque

The bronze Medal of Honor plaque has an image of the Medal of Honor and the inscription:


ANDREW SYMMES BRYANT
MEDAL OF HONOR
SGT 46 MASS INF
CIVIL WAR
MAR 3 1841 OCT 6 1931

Granite Headstone

The granite headstone in a family plot is inscribed:


ANDREW SYMMES
BRYANT
MARCH 3, 1841
OCTOBER 6, 1931 Citation:


BRYANT, ANDREW S.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A, 46th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At New Bern, N.C., 23 May 1863. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Born: 3 March 1841, Springfield, Mass. Date of issue: 13 August 1873.

By his courage and judicious disposition of his guard of 16 men, stationed in a small earthwork at the head of the bridge, held in check and repulsed for a half hour a fierce attack of a strong force of the enemy, thus probably saving the city New Bern from capture.  

Medal of Honor: Cpl. John Walsh - Springfield, MA

Interesting Places I've Visited

Cpl. John Walsh

Springfield, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

Cpl. John Walsh

GPS: N42° 07.193; W072° 34.977

Quick Description: 

The grave of Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. John Walsh is located in St. Benedict's Cemetery on Liberty Street in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

Cpl. John Walsh was born in Ireland and fought with the Union Army during the Civil War. He is buried in the east side of the south section of St. Benedict's Cemetery in Springfield, MA.

Twenty soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for valor in action against Confederate forces at Cedar Creek, Virginia, on October 19, 1865. Corporal John Walsh was awarded the Medal of Honor that day. The flag of the 15th New Jersey Infantry had earlier been taken in battle by the Confederate forces, Corporal Walsh distinguished himself in action by recovering the flag from the Confederate forces.

His grave is marked with a bronze Medal of Honor plaque and a gray granite family headstone.

Medal of Honor Plaque

The bronze plaque is has an image of the Medal of Honor and the inscription:

JOHN WALSH
MEDAL OF HONOR
CORP CO D NY CAVALRY
CIVIL WAR
DEC 4 1841 MAY 25 1924

Family Headstone

The granite family headstone is inscribed: JOHN J. WALSH
1840 - 1924
CORP. CO. D. N.Y. CAV.
CATHERINE MAHER
HIS WIFE
1846 - 1910
JOHANNA WALSH
1802 - 1863 The family name WALSH near the base.

Citation:

WALSH, JOHN

Rank and organization: Corporal, Company D, 5th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Cedar Creek, Va., 19 October 1864. Entered service at: ------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 26 October 1864. Citation: Recaptured the flag of the 15th New Jersey Infantry. 

Medal of Honor: Cpl. Charles H. Knight - Springfield, MA

Interesting Places I've Photographes

Cpl. Charles H. Knight

Springfield, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

GPS: N42° 07.296; W072° 33.891

Quick Description: 

The grave site of Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. Charles H. Knight is located in the south central section of Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

Cpl. Charles H. Knight was born in Keene, NH and joined the 9th New Hampshire Infantry from Keene.
During the Civil War a series of battles took place around Petersburg, Virginia from June 9, 1864 to March 25, 1865. The City of Petersburg an important railroad junction crucial for the supply of the army of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederate capital of Richmond.

On July 30, 1864, after weeks of preparation, Union forces exploded a huge mine blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg. The Confederate forces quickly regrouped and routed the attacking Union forces inflicting severe casualties. This became known as the Battle of the Crater.

According to his Medal of Honor citation, Union Cpl. Charles H. Knight was one of the first men to enter into the gap created by the mine. He sustained wounds but was able to return to his lines with several Confederate prisoners.

This attempt to end the Siege of Petersburg was unsuccessful and trench warfare was waged around Petersburg until General Lee withdrew his army in April 1865.

The grave site is marked by a granite tablet placed at ground level and a large ornate family headstone, offset to the upper right.

Medal of Honor Plaque

The granite tablet has a the images of a Latin cross and the Medal of Honor. It is inscribed:

CHARLES H KNIGHT
MEDAL OF HONOR
CORP I 9 NH INF
CIVIL WAR
1839 1904 

Family Headstone

The family headstone has the image of a five pointed star and the logo of the Odd Fellows Organization. It is inscribed:


CHARLES H. KNIGHT
1839 - 1904
CO. I. 9TH N.H.
ELLEN M. BURCH HIS WIFE
1848 - 1932
MILAN B. KNIGHT 1845 - 1919
HIS WIFE
HARRIET M. HUNTER 1839 - 1907

Citation:

KNIGHT, CHARLES H.

Rank and Organization: Corporal, Company I, 9th New Hampshire Infantry. Place and Date: At Petersburg, Va., 30 July 1864. Entered service at Keene, N.H. Birth: Keene, N.H. Date of Issue: 27 July 1896.

In company with a sergeant, was the first to enter the exploded mine; was wounded but took several prisoners to the Federal lines. 

Medal of Honor: Sgt. Charles H. Tracy - Chicopee, MA

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Sgt. Charles H. Tracy

Chicopee, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

Sgt. Charles H. Tracy

GPS: N42° 08.411; W072° 35.293

Quick Description: 

The grave site of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Charles H. Tracy is located in Fairview Cemetery in Chicopee, MA

Long Description:
Charles H. Tracy was born in 1833 in Jewett City, CT and joined the Union Army from Springfield, MA. During the Civil War he served with the 37th Massachusetts Infantry. His grave site is in the Civil War veterans section at the eastern end of the Fairview Cemetery in Chicopee, MA.
Sgt. Charles H. Tracy served under General Grant in Virginia. His Medal of Honor citation sites his courageous action in two separate battles: at Spotsylvania Courthouse in May 1864 and a year later in April 1865 at Petersburg, VA.

After the Union forces were defeated at the Battle of the Wilderness, May 5 to 7, 1864, General Grant moved his troops forward on the Confederate right to Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, where a battle was fought against the army of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, from May 8 - 19. The fiercest fighting occurred on May 12. In that battle thirty-six soldiers earned Medals of Honor including Sergeant Charles Tracy who risked his life to assisted carrying a wounded and helpless officer to safety.
A year later, on April 2, 1865, during the prolonged Siege of Petersburg, VA, Sergeant Charles H. Tracy was part of a lead advance against the entrenched Confederate positions. While under heavy fire, he helped remove two lines of chevaux-de-frise (Frisian horses), obstacles covered with defensive spikes meant to thwart cavalry or infantry. He was wounded twice. Nevertheless he advanced to the third line, where he was once again wounded, this time severely and resulting in the loss of his leg.

The grave site of Sgt. Charles H. Tracy has two markers. A bronze Medal of Honor plaque is raised off the ground and inset at a 60 degree angle into a concrete pedestal and a granite family headstone offset to the right and the rear of the bronze plaque.

Medal of Honor Headstone

The bronze plaque contains the image of the Medal of Honor and is inscribed:

CHARLES H TRACY
MEDAL OF HONOR
SGT CO A 37 MASS INF
CIVIL WAR
1933 {Latin Cross} 1911

Family Headstone

The family headstone is inscribed:


CHARLES H. TRACY
1833 - 1911
MARY ELIZABETH CORBIN
HIS WIFE
1834 - 1905
NELLIE TRACY
1872 - 1923
JESSIE L. TRACY
1879 - 1928
OLIVER E. TRACY
1866 - 1933 Citation:

TRACY, CHARLES H.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company A, 37th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Spotsylvania, Va., 12 May 1864; At Petersburg, Va., 2 April 1865. Entered service at: Springfield, Mass. Birth: Jewett City, Conn. Date of issue: 19 November 1897. 

At the risk of his own life, at Spotsylvania, 12 May 1864, assisted in carrying to a place of safety a wounded and helpless officer. On 2 April 1865, advanced with the pioneers, and, under heavy fire, assisted in removing 2 lines of chevaux_de_frise; was twice wounded but advanced to the third line, where he was again severely wounded, losing a leg.

Medal of Honor: CBM John S. MacKenzie - Holyoke, MA

Interesting Places I've Photographed

CBM John S. MacKenzie

Holyoke, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

 CBM John S. MacKenzie

GPS: N42° 12.437; W072° 37.389

Quick Description: 

The gravesite of Chief Boatswain's Mate John S. MacKenzie is located in Forest Dale Cemetery in Holyoke, MA.

Long Description:

John S. MacKenzie was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 07, 1886. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from Massachusetts and was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I on December 17, 1917 for heroism at at sea aboard the U.S.S. Remlik. He died on december 26, 1933 and is buried in Forest Dale Cemetery in Holyoke.

The USS Remlik was a private yacht purchased by the US Navy and converted to special patrol boats to augment the insufficient number of destroyers needed to protect shipping from German U-boats. The USS Remlik (SP 157) was bought in June of 1917 and commissioned in July. It was armed with Sperry depth charges, two 3-inch guns and two machine guns. The ship was sent to Bay of Biscay off Brest, France to patrol the waters and escort convoys.

USS Remlik

On December 17, 1918 she was escorting a convoy during a dangerous winter gale. A submarine was spotted but she was hit by a large wave that carried the depth charge cradle overboard. Chief Boatswain's Mate John MacKenzie was on the bridge and saw the depth charge loose on the aft deck and that the safety pin was gone. The depth charge was in danger of falling overboard and exploding under the ship. He made his way aft to secure the rolling canister which almost crushed him several times. He was finally able to hook his legs on the gun carriage, re-insert the pin, stand the canister on its end and sit on it until other crew members lashed it to the taffrail. Mackenzie was credited with saving his ship and crew and received the first Medal of Honor ever presented to a Navy reservist.

Medal of Honor Plaque

The grave site if John S. MacKenzie is marked by a granite tablet set at ground level in the south central section of Forest Dale Cemetery. The tablet has the image of a Latin cross and the medal of Honor and is inscribed:

JOHN S MACKENZIE
MEDAL OF HONOR
CBM US NAVY
WORKD WAR I
JULY 7, 1886 DEC 26 1933
Citation:

MacKENZlE, JOHN

Rank and organization: Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 7 July 1886, Bridgeport, Conn. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 391, 1918. Citation: For extraordinary heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. Remlik, on the morning of 17 December 1917, when the Remlik encountered a heavy gale. During this gale, there was a heavy sea running. The depth charge box on the taffrail aft, containing a Sperry depth charge, was washed overboard, the depth charge itself falling inboard and remaining on deck. MacKenzie, on his own initiative, went aft and sat down on the depth charge, as it was impracticable to carry it to safety until the ship was headed up into the sea. In acting as he did, MacKenzie exposed his life and prevented a serious accident to the ship and probable loss of the ship and the entire crew.

Medal of Honor: Lt. Raymond Ovila Beaudoin - South Hadley, MA

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Lt. Raymond Ovila Beaudoin

South Hadley, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipient

Lt. Raymond Ovila Beaudoin

GPS: N42° 14.021; W072° 34.618

Quick Description: 

The grave site of Lt. Raymond Ovila Beaudoin is located in a family plot in section C of Notre Dame Cemetery in South Hadley, MA

Long Description:

Raymond Ovila Beaudoin was born on July 15, 1918 in Holyoke, MA. He entered the service from Holyoke and served in the U.S. Army in Company F of the 119th Infantry in the 30th Infantry Division. On April 6, 1945, he was leading his platoon over open ground near Hamelin, Germany. His unit was pinned down by fire from machine guns and automatic weapons. He was able to dig his platoon in against and inflicted heavy casualties on a numerically superior force until enemy reinforcements arrived making his position precarious. In order give cover to a messenger sent to secure help, Lt. Beaudoin made a one man charge on a sniper nest some 90 yards away. Under heavy bazooka and rifle fire, he reached the sniper nest and killed three of the enemy. A fourth enemy soldier was killed by fire from the dug in platoon. Lt. Beaudoin then charged a dugout, but was killed by machine gun fire. The messenger was able to secure help and the platoon was saved. For his heroism, Lt. Beaudoin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
The grave site of Lt. Raymond O. Beaudoin is marked by a gray granite family headstone and a small granite Medal of Honor tablet set at ground level.

Medal of Honor Plaque

The ground level granite plaque has the images of a Latin cross and the Medal of Honor and the following inscription:

RAYMOND O. BEAUDOIN
MEDAL OF HONOR
1ST LT US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
JUL 15, 1918 APR 6 1945

The family headstone has the name BEAUDOIN inscribed in large raised capital letters on the front side. The back of the headstone has the dates and names:


1889 WILLIAM W. 1961
HIS WIFE
1889 EMMA LAPAN 1966
1918 1ST. LT. RAYMOND O. 1945
CONG. MEDAL OF HONOR
1920 EVELYN R. 1927

1863 JOSEPH BEAUDOIN 1942
Son Espouse
1862 ARTHIMISE VINCENT 1953
1885 OLIVA BEAUDOIN 1938
1925 ERNST A. BEAUDOIN
HIS WIFE
1927 LENA L. SAVAGE 2011

1930 HENRY R. BEAUDOIN
HIS WIFE
1931 OLIVETTE J. RINGUETTE
Medal of Honor Citation: 

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 119th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hamelin, Germany, 6 April 1945. Entered service at: Holyoke, Mass. Birth: Holyoke, Mass. G.O. No.: 9, 25 January 1946.

He was leading the 2d Platoon of Company F over flat, open terrain to Hamelin, Germany, when the enemy went into action with machineguns and automatic weapons, laying down a devastating curtain of fire which pinned his unit to the ground. By rotating men in firing positions he made it possible for his entire platoon to dig in, defying all the while the murderous enemy fire to encourage his men and to distribute ammunition. He then dug in himself at the most advanced position, where he kept up a steady fire, killing 6 hostile soldiers, and directing his men in inflicting heavy casualties on the numerically superior opposing force. Despite these defensive measures, however, the position of the platoon became more precarious, for the enemy had brought up strong reinforcements and was preparing a counterattack. Three men, sent back at intervals to obtain ammunition and reinforcements, were killed by sniper fire. To relieve his command from the desperate situation, 1st Lt. Beaudoin decided to make a l-man attack on the most damaging enemy sniper nest 90 yards to the right flank, and thereby divert attention from the runner who would attempt to pierce the enemy's barrier of bullets and secure help. Crawling over completely exposed ground, he relentlessly advanced, undeterred by 8 rounds of bazooka fire which threw mud and stones over him or by rifle fire which ripped his uniform. Ten yards from the enemy position he stood up and charged. At point-blank range he shot and killed 2 occupants of the nest; a third, who tried to bayonet him, he overpowered and killed with the butt of his carbine; and the fourth adversary was cut down by the platoon's rifle fire as he attempted to flee. He continued his attack by running toward a dugout, but there he was struck and killed by a burst from a machinegun. By his intrepidity, great fighting skill, and supreme devotion to his responsibility for the well-being of his platoon, 1st Lt. Beaudoin single-handedly accomplished a mission that enabled a messenger to secure help which saved the stricken unit and made possible the decisive defeat of the German forces. 

Medal of Honor: Pvt. Fredrick Nelson Deland - Great Barrington, MA

Intereting Places I've Photographed

Pvt. Fredrick Nelson Deland

Great Barrington, MA

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

Pvt. Fredrick Nelson Deland

GPS: N42° 11.023; W073° 21.983

Quick Description: 

The grave of Medal of Honor recipient Fredrick Nelson Deland is located in Mahaiwe Cemetery in Great Barrington, MA.

Long Description:

Fredrick Nelson Deland was born on December 25, 1843 at Sheffield, MA. He entered in the US Army from Great Barrington, MA and served during the Civil War with Company B of the 49th Massachusetts Infantry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on May 27, 1863 at Port Hudson, LA. He died at age 78 on August 23, 1922 and is buried in Mahaiwe Cemetery in Great Barrington, MA.

The Home of Heroes website describes what happened that day:

"When the Union forces were attacking at Port Hudson, Louisiana, on May 27, 1863, the advance approached a ditch which presented a serious obstacle in the assault on the enemy works. When volunteers were requested to go forward under enemy fire and fill the ditch with fascines in order to facilitate the attack, Private Frederick Deland volunteered and bravely set to that task, earning the Medal of Honor for his actions. Sergeant James Strong, Corporal Francis Warren, and Private Henry Johns also received Medals of Honor for volunteering in this hazardous advance."

His citation reads

"Volunteered in response to a call and, under a heavy fire from the enemy, advanced and assisted in filling with fascines a ditch which presented a serious obstacle to the troops attempting to take the works of the enemy by assault."

Medal of Honor Headstone

A white marble gravestone has inscribed in the center of a shield the image of the Medal of Honor and the following inscription in gold lettering:


FREDRICK N DELAND
MEDAL OF HONOR
CO B
49 MASS INF Below the shield are the dates:


DEC 25 1843
AUG 23 1922

Family Headstone

The family headstone is inscribed:

FREDRICK NELSON DELAND
DECEMBER 25, 1843
AUGUST 23, 1922

ELIZABETH ENSIGN SMITH
HIS WIFE
NOVEMBER 23, 1840
JANUARY 4, 1916

Medal of Honor: General George W. Baird - Milford, CT

Interesting Places I've Photographed

General George W. Baird

Milford, CT

Topic: Medal of Honor Recipients

General George W. Baird

Family Headstone

Medal of Honor Plaque

GPS: N41° 13.548; W073° 03.060

Quick Description: 

The grave site of General George W. Baird is located at the east end of Milford Cemetery in Milford, CT.

Long Description:

George W. Baird Baird was born on December 13, 1839, in Milford, Connecticut. He left Yale University to enlist in the Civil War and serve as an officer with a Connecticut artillery battery. In 1864, he was appointed colonel of volunteers of the 32nd Infantry Regiment U.S. Colored Troops. After the war he remained in the Federal Army as a Lieutenant.

From 1871 to 1878, he was adjutant to Colonel Nelson A. Miles and participated in the Nez Perce War. He was promoted to major in 1879, and became Deputy Paymaster General of the army in 1899. In 1903, shortly before his retirement, he achieved the rank of brigadier general. He died on November 28, 1903.
Lt. George W. Baird was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism for action in the Indian Campaigns on September 30, 1877 at Bear Paw Mountain, MT. At that time the U.S. Cavalry was in pursuit of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indian tribe who were crossing Montana on their way to Canada. The Calvary engaged the Nez Perce in many battles but after the battle of the Little Big Hole in early August of 1877, the Cavalry lost track of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce. After marching for several days, the Nez Perce were located near Bear Paw Mountain. On September 30, a final battle ensued that lead to the surrender of the Nez Perce nation.

First Lieutenant George Baird was cited for "most distinguished gallantry in action" in that engagement. While carrying orders across the battlefield he was shot twice, once through the arm and another shot severed his ear. Despite his wounds, he persisted in the performance of his mission. He was one of nine cavalrymen awarded the Medal of Honor for the Bear Paw Mountain battle.

The grave site of General George W. Baird is marked by a boulder containing two bronze plaques and a granite tablet set at ground level. The plaques are inscribed:


GEORGE W. BAIRD
BRIGADIER GENERAL
UNITED STATES ARMY
1839 - 1900 and
JULIA CATHERINE ROGERS
HIS BELOVED WIFE
1842 - 1926
The granite tablet has a Latin cross and the image of the Medal of Honor and the following inscription:


GEORGE W BAIRD
MEDAL OF HONOR
BRIG GEN US ARMY
INDIAN WARS
DEC 13 1839 NOV 28 1903
Citation:

BAIRD, GEORGE W.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 5th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: At Bear Paw Mountain, Mont., 30 September 1877. Entered service at: Milford, Conn. Birth: Connecticut. Date of issue: 27 November 1894. Citation: Most distinguished gallantry in action with the Nez Perce Indians

Science Related Monuments: Discovery of Quinine by Pelletier and Caventou - Paris, France

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Monument to the Discovery of Quinine by Pelletier and Caventou

Paris, France

Topic: Science Related Monuments

Discovery of Quinine

Joseph Bienaimé Caventou 

Pierre Joseph Pelletier

GPS: N48° 50.644; E002° 20.351

Quick Description: 

A monument east of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, France honors Pierre Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaimé Caventou for the first discovery (extraction, isolation, purification and naming) of quinine.

Long Description:

Quinine was first extracted, isolated, purified, and named by French pharmacists and chemists Pierre Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaimé Caventou in 1820. Quinine is derived from the Inca word for the cinchona tree bark, quina or quina-quina, which means "bark of bark" or "holy bark". Quinine is used extensively to prevent malaria.

Quinine enabled Europeans to explore and settle in Africa. Since Europeans do not possess the genetic resistance to malaria found in native African populations. Neither Pierre Joseph Pelletier nor Joseph Bienaimé Caventou patented quinine. They instead released it into the public domain for the benefit of all humanity.

The top of the monument contains a reclining female figure, apparently in distress, and the following inscription on the front:


L'AN 1820 LES
PHARMACIENS
PELLETIER
ET CAVENTOU
FIRENT
LA DECOUVERTE
DE LA QUININE

PAR LEUR PRECIEUSE DECOUVERTE
PAR LEUR DESINTERESSEMENT
ILS ONT MERITE LE TITRE
DE BIENFAITEURS DE L'HUMANITE
One side contains a bronze medallion profile of Pelletier and the inscription:


PELLETIER
PROFESSEUR
A L'ECOLE DE PHARMACIE
1788 - 1842
The other side contains a bronze medallion profile of Caventou and the inscription:


CAVENTOU
PROFESSEUR
A L'ECOLE DE PHARMACIE
1795 - 1877 English translations:


THE YEAR 1820 THE
PHARMACISTS
PELLETIER
AND CAVENTOU
MADE
THE DISCOVERY
OF QUININE

BY THEIR VALUABLE DISCOVERY
BY THEIR SELFLESSNESS
THEY MERIT THE TITLE
BENEFACTORS OF HUMANITY

PELLETIER
PROFESSOR
THE SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
1788 - 1842

CAVENTOU
PROFESSOR
THE SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
1795 - 1877