All stood at attention. Chests out, heels locked and eyes staring straight ahead. Shots fired in unison pierced the frigid morning air and a lone bugler sounded taps. Although no one in attendance ever met the deceased they were gathered here to honor them and to remember them.

On December 2, 2000, members of the Delaware Army National Guard helped the Delaware Medal of Honor Historical Association to dedicate bronze markers at the gravesites of three deceased Delawareans who earned the Medal of Honor. Soldiers from the 198^th and 280^th Signal Battalions provided a color guard and firing detail. The 287^th Army Band provided bugler Sgt. Anthony Carter.

"The ceremonies will help preserve the memories of these three men and their deeds," said Paul Cathell, the historical association. s founder and president. "The intent of the association is to keep their names alive in the history of our state," he added.

There are 14 Delaware Medal of Honor recipients, and this is the second year we have dedicated markers, said Newt Brackin, Commander of the State of Delaware American Legion. Both Brackin and Cathell hope that soon their association will have the funding to provide markers for the remaining medal winners.

This year markers were dedicated for three Civil War heroes. The first ceremony was for 1^st Sgt. John Schilling. According to author, Roger A. Martin, who wrote a book on all Delaware Medal of Honor winners, Schilling was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on Aug 21, 1864 when his company attacked an important railroad line near Petersburg, Va. The bloody battle cost more than 450 lives as it swayed back and forth with first one side and then the other capturing territory. Schilling. s unit, Company H of the 3^rd Delaware Regiment was battling with a regiment of South Carolina infantry when he dashed forward and captured the enemy. s flag and returned to the safety of his own lines.

One of his great grandchildren, Elaine Hill of Seaford, attended the dedication ceremony, along with five other descendants.

The second ceremony was for Capt. James Postles, a Cavalry Officer at Gettysburg who galloped through a hailstorm of enemy fire to deliver important orders and raced back to his lines without being hit. Just before reaching safety, he stopped and waved to the enemy in defiance. Struck by his bravado, the enemy stopped shooting momentarily to cheer his courage and honor him with a rebel yell. After the war, Postles returned to Delaware and served as the Delaware National Guard. s Adjutant General for eight years.

Current Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, spoke at Postles. ceremony, which was attended by great-great grandson, Keith McCutcheon of Wilmington. McCutcheon said his family always knew about their famous forefather, but this event helped bring his achievements into sharper focus.

The final ceremony was for Irish immigrant Pvt. Bernard McCarren, a member of the famed 1^st Delaware Regiment, and among those who helped repulse Confederate Gen. George Pickett. s famous charge on July 3, 1863. During battle with the 7^th North Carolina Regiment, he fought his way to the 7^th. s color sergeant and wrestled away the unit. s battle flag.

Great-great niece, Barbara Billingsley Tagani of Wilmington, placed the wreath on his gravesite and was accompanied by six other descendants of McCarren. Also in attendance were members of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware.

The Medal of Honor Historical Association uses the phrase . Lest We Forget. as its motto as over the years the accomplishments of these three gentlemen have largely been forgotten, said Cathell. "But not today."

See related Medal of Honor web site and full text listing by the Center of Military History.