Cushing Award
History
The Cushing Award is presented to the graduating Wisconsin Midshipman with the highest order of merit among his/her class in memory of Commander William Baker Cushing’s unusual career as well as his heroism and Wisconsin birth.
CDR Cushing, born November 4, 1842 in Delafield, Wisconsin, and appointed to the Naval Academy from New York, distinguished himself in battle throughout the Civil War, including a daring nighttime raid on and sinking of the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle on October 27, 1864. For this feat he received the Thanks of Congress.
Five ships in the U.S. Navy have been named USS Cushing in his honor. The most recent one, the destroyer USS Cushing (DD-985), was decommissioned in September 2005. A portrait of CDR Cushing, in full dress uniform, hangs in Memorial Hall at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Nearly all of the other portraits in the hall are of Admirals. A monument that honors Cushing and his brothers Alonzo and Howard is located at Cushing Memorial Park in Delafield, Wisconsin.
Cushing Award Winners
| Year | Name | Hometown | Service Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ryan Chapman | Holmen | Naval Officer |
| 2020 | Emily Klitgard | Amery | Cryptologic Warfare |
| 2019 | Cordell Maas | Coloma | Cryptologic Warfare |
| 2018 | Jacob Fernandes | Franklin | USMC Ground |
| 2017 | Jacob Best | Onalaska | Navy Pilot |
| 2016 | Thomas Wester | Brookfield | Surface Warfare |
| 2015 | Ethan Albrecht | Oshkosh | Naval Aviation |
| 2014 | Gregory Gerlach | Elm Grove | Submarines |
| 2013 | Troy Tauber | Sturgeon Bay | Submarines |
| 2012 | Jacob Cavey | Racine | Submarines |
| 2011 | Alex Eagan | Madison | Special Operations (EOD) |
| 2010 | John Campion | Green Bay | Submarines |
| 2009 | Peter Bose | Union Grove | Marine Corps |
