News

Iowa plans memorial kiosk for local Medal of Honor recipients

September 3, 2003

DES MOINES, Iowa -- State officials plan to spend $125,000 on a multi-media kiosk recognizing the more than 80 Iowans who have won the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor, in conflicts dating back to the Civil War.

According to an article in the Des Moines Register, the State Historical Society of Iowa project will allow kiosk users to instantly look up information about such Medal of Honor recipients as William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill. Born near Le Claire in 1846, he was cited for gallantry in action as a civilian scout for the Army in 1872, during the Indian wars.

The legislature last spring approved money for the memorial, to be located near the battle flag cases in the capitol rotunda. But officials are waiting for the resolution of a legal dispute over casino taxes, which help finance a variety of state projects, before proceeding with work on the exhibit, the article said.

In the meantime, the historical society has extensive research to do on the Medal of Honor recipients, including the gathering of documents, photos, maps and music that can be computerized.