Congressman Darin LaHood | Congressman Darin LaHood Official Website
Congressman Darin LaHood | Congressman Darin LaHood Official Website
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) has put forth a bill 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." This legislation, backed by several veterans advocacy groups in Illinois, pays tribute to Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, a courageous soldier from Clinton, Illinois.
Corporal Jackson Smith, a member of the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, demonstrated exceptional bravery on November 30, 1864. During the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, he saved his regimental colors after the color bearer was killed during a fierce charge.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington provides crucial primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, laboratory services, and pharmacy services, to veterans who served our nation with honor," said Congressman 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 have 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 soldier 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.
For the full text of the legislation, click HERE.
Background:
- The legislation introduced by Rep. LaHood aims to designate the community-based outpatient clinic at 207 Hamilton Road, Bloomington, IL as the Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs.
- During the Battle of Honey Hill, SC on November 30, 1864, the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry Regiment encountered Confederate forces in a swampy area. Despite heavy casualties, Corporal Smith bravely carried the regimental colors throughout the battle, preventing their capture.
- Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith's extraordinary valor and dedication to duty embody the highest traditions of military service, the 55th Regiment, and the United States Army.
- The legislation has garnered support from the Department of Illinois American Legion, the ILVFW, and the AMVETS Post 270.
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