Posthumous Medal of Honor Awarded 150 Years Later

Photo: history.army.mil

First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing of the Union Army was awarded the Medal of Honor today-151 years later-for his bravery and courage in leading his men during the repulse of Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863, despite being severely wounded.  See full news article below. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/11/05/why-a-civil-war-soldier-will-get-the-medal-of-honor-151-years-after-his-death/

Many Medal of Honor recipients are given this most prestigious award after they are deceased. But why wait so long to recognize this unsung hero?