The Pennsylvania National Guard will honor a great hero of service and sacrifice,
Major OV Catto, (5th Brigade, I.G.) who was assassinated protecting members of the
Black community in Philadelphia on Election Day, October 10, 1871, being the
highest ranking African-American officer in the Army at the time. A special medal to
honor Catto was issued in December 1871 by General Louis Wagner, Commander of
the 5th Brigade PNG and a member of the Union League. The Major OV Catto Medal
of the PAANG will be presented to deserving Guardsmen in the best traditions of the
National Guard at the Luncheon.
There will be an honor Ceremony with wreath laying and a military salute at the
Catto Monument at the South Front of City Hall at 11:00am.
All military units, period civilians, veterans and heritage groups are encouraged to
participate.
Following the City Hall Ceremony: PA National Guard Award RECEPTION & Medal
Ceremony to follow at 12:30pm in the Union League (Library Lounge) for the ‘Major
Catto Medal’ Award Ceremony.
Information: Dr. Andy Waskie