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Monday, October 27, 2008 Kevan Chapman
Communications Director
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Ionia Post Office Renamed in Honor of Local Civil War Hero

 

Post office renamed for Union soldier Sgt. Alonzo Woodruff

 
 

IONIA, MI – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers was on hand today for a ceremony at which the Ionia City Post Office was renamed in honor of local Civil War hero Sergeant Alonzo Woodruff. A plaque was placed prominently inside the post office in honor of Sgt. Woodruff’s heroism. The Union soldier was severely injured as he rescued injured comrades from enemy hands during two separate incidents on the same day during the Battle of Boydton Plank Road in Hatcher’s Run, Virginia 144 years ago today.

"The prominent display of Sergeant Woodruff’s name in this Post Office will remind everyone in Ionia of his selfless heroism," said Congressman Ehlers. "After finding out about this from Mrs. Maureen Powell’s eighth grade American social studies class, I decided we could not let Mr. Woodruff’s story fade with time."

"I am honored to help this community remember this great man’s bravery and sacrifice, and I hope that it also reminds everyone of the bravery and sacrifice of the all the young men and women who have fought, and are fighting, for our country," added Ehlers.

Alonzo Woodruff volunteered to serve in the Union Army when he was 22 years old. He survived severe injuries during the Battle of Boydton Plank Road on October 27, 1864 while rescuing fellow Union soldiers held captive by Confederate forces. Mr. Woodruff recovered from his injuries, and moved back to Michigan where he fathered three children with his wife, Harriet. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1896 for his bravery in Hatcher’s Run.

 
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