Rep. Noble offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 19.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to award the posthumous Medal of Honor to Lieutenant-Colonel Albert M. Edwards for his actions during the Civil War.

            Whereas, A resident of Detroit at the time of the Civil War, Albert M. Edwards left college in his second year to enlist as a sergeant in the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment. During his service, he was promoted to captain of Company F where he was instrumental in raising the new regiment, organizing his company in only two days; and

            Whereas, Captain Edwards took command of the regiment in the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.  As other leaders were wounded or killed, Captain Edwards behaved gallantly to rally the men while under fire. The regiment suffered horrible casualties, more than any of the 400 Union regiments that fought in the three-day battle. The 24th Michigan Infantry was instrumental in providing the Army of the Potomac time to establish a solid defensive position that the Confederate Army would not be able to break; and

            Whereas, Captain Edwards commanded the regiment multiple times during his service and participated in every battle and march of the regiment. Although never wounded in action, he was captured in battle but returned to his regiment in a prisoner exchange. He was promoted to major and lieutenant-colonel during the war. When the regiment returned to Detroit in June of 1865, Colonel Edwards was in command; and

            Whereas, While fighting in the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864, Major Edwards captured a Confederate flag. The capture was recorded by the regiment historian and confirmed by an assistant adjutant general, and the flag found its way to the archives of the War Department in Washington. Capturing a Confederate battle flag was a common criterion for awarding the medal of honor to a soldier; and

Whereas, Colonel Edwards was given the honorary promotion of "Brevet Colonel," often used in recognition of gallant conduct or other meritorious service. Colonel Edwards also received wide acknowledgement at Civil War reunions, as reported in newspapers; and

Whereas, Colonel Albert M. Edwards has never received official recognition for his acts of patriotism and honor; now therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to award the posthumous Medal of Honor to Lieutenant-Colonel Albert M. Edwards for his actions during the Civil War; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.