Franks Museum hosts Medal of Honor exhibit

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  • Franks Museum hosts Medal of Honor exhibit
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HOBART – The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum has created the “Medal of Honor – Exploring AG Corps Soldiers” special exhibition, on display now through April 30.

The exhibit features Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War to the present, including biographies and photos, with three stories highlighted of 18 adjunct generals and 40 musicians.

“We have the utmost respect and admiration for every Medal of Honor recipient,” the institute’s manager, Scott Cumm, said in a news release. “The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. This special exhibition offers a fresh experience with the unique stories of adjunct generals, the equivalent of a military chief administration officer, and military musicians who have received the prestigious award.”

The first Medal of Honor was awarded to AG Corps member George H. Palmer on Sept. 20, 1861, according to the news release. He volunteered to fight in the trenches in Lexington, Missouri, during the Civil War and led a charge that resulted in the capture of a Union hospital.

The youngest AG Corps recipient was Willie Johnston, a 12-year-old drummer who served during the Union’s Seven Days Retreat in the Peninsula Campaign. Johnston was the only drummer in his division to come away with his instrument during a general rout. His superiors considered this a meritorious feat, as soldiers had discarded their guns and other musicians had abandoned their instruments.

These stories and others are told as part of the exhibition, which includes a Civil War flag, sword, pistol, uniforms and more.

Visitors can also view the museum’s permanent Medal of Honor display, showcasing a U.S. Army Medal of Honor and Gen. Franks’ Patriot Award from the Medal of Honor Society.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.

For more information, visit Tommy FranksMuseum.org.