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24th Infantry Division Medal of Honor Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery

Throughout the long and distinguished history of the 24th Infantry Division, fourteen brave men have earned our nation's highest recognition, The Medal of Honor, for heroic action above and beyond the call of duty.

These men, although honored, may be forgotten in the years ahead. Who speaks for them? Who will keep the memory of their deeds alive?

Dan Rickert, and several of his 24th IDA colleagues have launched a project designed to create and place a memorial to these heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, where all may see and know of their dedication to their country and to their fellow soldiers. Design of this memorial is shown at left.

This memorial effort was launched at the 24th Infantry Division Association at the 2009 24th IDA annual reunion in Rapid City, SD.

Moneys have been donated by Association members and others to enable the beginning construction of the memorial itself, which is targeted for completion the fall of 2011.

This memorial's design is based on the beautiful 24th Infantry Division Memorial that was placed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HI, in July 2007. (photo at left). That monument is glass covered and has beautiful raised lettering.

Dan also led the Hawaii Memorial effort, and many of those contributing their time and talents to that monument are likewise contributing to this one, including Dan’s granddaughter, Danielle Rickert, who designed both memorials.

The 24th Medal of Honor Memorial Committee consists of, in addition to Dan, Sal Schillaci as Sec/Treas, Gene Spicer, Mel Frederick, and Keith Hagen.

Though the effort is well along, funds are still needed to make this vision a reality. You may do this with a donation to the 24th Infantry Division Medal of Honor Fund. Please send your donations, made payable to The Medal of Honor Fund, to Sal Schillaci, 59 Endicott Drive, Amherst, NY 14226.

Your assistance needed to enable placing MOH Memorial at Arlington Cemetery

But placing our MOH Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery is stalled. Placing a memorial at ANC requires action by the House of Representatives (HR).

Thanks to efforts of Association President, Sal Schillaci, Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26), on January 28, 2010, introduced legislation (H. Con. Res. 232) to honor the Army’s 24th Infantry Division and its 14 Medal of Honor recipients through a memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetery.

As you may know, Rep. Lee abruptly resigned from the HR on Feb. 9, 2011, and although his legislation was supported by over 20 of his fellow members of the HR, it is essentially dead at this time.

What we need now is to create an effort throughout the U.S. wherein all of us each contacts our members in the H.R. asking for them to support us in this effort.

Revised June 29, 2011