First Army Medal of Honor recipient returns to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- A historical addition has temporarily been added to the Charles H Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

Jacob Parrott is considered the first Army Medal of Honor recipient.

He and two dozen other soldiers attempted to disable the railroad line. Their objective was to cut off Chattanooga’s confederate Garrison from reinforced men and communications.

The mission failed Parrot along with his comrades were captured. Eight men were executed, eight others escape, the remaining six including Parrot were exchange for confederate prisoners.

“And Jacob Parrott medal is important to Chattanooga because not only does it shine a light on national history and also shines on our local history here. The actions took place here and Jacob was brought to Chattanooga so there’s a history here. He returns here over the history of select Chattanooga deep ties to the city and we have deep ties in the Medal of Honor,” said Saunders.

It will be on loan to the Heritage Center until June.