Pictured with a commemorative brick for Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Gen. John McAllister Schofield (Civil War) is Gerry Town Supervisor John R. Crossley. Schofield’s hometown is Gerry; his final resting place is Arlington National Cemetery. Along with Crossley are Thomas Jordan, Sandralee Wagner, Clara Dunbar and Jan Derbish, Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial committee members. Not pictured are James Kurtrz, Kathy Jordan, James Thomas, John Buxton, Rick Syper, Janie Raynor, Sarah Bemis, William Laubscher, Jim Bradford and Ken Murphy.

MAYVILLE — The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.

Since the Revolutionary War, 3,500 medals have been awarded — 11 to individuals from Chautauqua County.

The newly organized Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial in Mayville includes bricks for the 11 Medal of Honor recipients from Chautauqua County.

“In our county, there are many past and present members of the military,” said committee member James Thomas. CHHVM committee member. “These brave individuals from our area currently lack a memorial in their honor, the Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial will be used to recognize their service.”

CIVIL WAR

¯ 1st Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, Fredonia

¯ Lt. Gen. John M. Schofield, Gerry

2nd Lt. Ebenezer Skellie, Mina

¯ Sgt. William Houlton, Clymer

¯ Sgt. Edgar P. Putnam, Stockton

¯ Pvt. James M. Young, Ellicott

¯ Capt. Edwin Goodrich, Westfield

¯ Sgt. John M. Haight, Westfield

¯ Sgt. Thomas Horan, Dunkirk

¯ Sgt. Henri L. Brown, Ellicott

WORLD WAR I

¯ Sgt. Archie Peck, Sinclairville

The Memorial is a gazebo structure incorporating walls of commemorative bricks honoring all Chautauqua County service men and women.

The Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to PO Box 102, Mayville, NY 14757 or online donations accepted at crcfonline.org. For inquires call 581-1790.