Q: How many people have won more than one Medal of Honor? And for what did Tom Custer, the brother of Gen. George Custer, win two during the Civil War?
—Lorraine Vinson, Rome
A: Nineteen men have been awarded two Medals of Honor, the highest award that can be won by military personnel. Of these, five were marines who received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same act of heroism in World War I. Lt. Tom Custer received two Medals of Honor for capturing two Confederate flags in the span of four days in the closing days of the Civil War. He won his first at Namozine Church, Va., for his actions on April 3, 1865, and received his second for jumping his horse over Confederate breastworks and taking another Confederate flag at Sailor's Creek, Va., on April 6. Tom Custer was wounded at Sailor's Creek, but survived and was killed, along with brothers George and Boston, at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.
Q: Kelly Ripa, of “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” has said that her husband, Mark Consuelos, is an ordained minister. What denomination ordained him? What was his purpose in getting ordained?
—Emily Smith, Decatur
A: Consuelos was ordained through the Universal Life Church so he could officiate the marriage between radio show host Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky in 2008. The Universal Life Church states that its "ordination is completely free and legal, and grants you all the rights and privileges afforded to an ordained minister."
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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