Missouri ceremony features full honors for Medal of Honor recipient

John Hack's grave is at left in Maple Grove Cemetery (Photos courtesy of Kevin Miller)

About 30 people looked on Sunday as members of the Missouri National Guard, VFW Post 919, two Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War camps and other groups paid their respects to Civil Medal of Honor recipient John Hack of Trenton, Mo.

“It’s always an emotional day for me when I participate in these ceremonies,” Kevin Miller, commander of SUVCW Westport Camp #64, told the Picket in an email. The event at Maple Grove Cemetery was linked to the National Medal of Honor Day. The honors included a rifle salute and wreath-laying.

Mayor Linda Crooks and Miller (left) spoke at Sunday's event in Trenton.

Pvt. Hack, who served with the 47^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, took part in a desperate mission to ferry supplies to Union forces below Vicksburg, Ms.

Hack was one of about 10 men to receive the Medal of Honor for the May 3, 1863, attempt to take barges past Rebel fortifications on the Mississippi River. The gallant effort failed, but it is remembered for what the soldiers endured, including their stint as prisoners.

 Missouri National Guard folds the flag during the ceremony.

According to his 1933 obituary in the Trenton Republican-Times, Hack later fought at Missionary Ridge. Hack continued service until Aug. 20, 1864, in Atlanta, when he was discharged after completing his time of service. Hack came to Trenton from Vincennes, Ind., in about 1890. He served about 15 years as justice of the peace and worked as a machinist for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.

He was a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans group.

VFW members are flanked by SUVCW members at cemetery