The US Congress thanked Lieutenant Cushing for his ingenuity and bravery, the only non-flag officer of the American civil war to be honoured thus. He was only 21 at that time. He went on to become a commander but the tough life took a toll. He died aged just 32.
In his honour, the US Navy's first torpedo boat was named USS Cushing. When it was decommissioned, another ship was given the name. The DD-985 is the fifth American naval ship to be named after Lieutenant Cushing. Except the first, the rest were destroyers.
The USS Cushing visited Mumbai last week on a courtesy visit and refuelling. The crew used the opportunity to visit the metropolis while the media was invited to the warship.
The ship's chief, Commander Steven A Mucklow.
Photograph: Rediff.com
Also See: Defending the Thar