One of the other soldiers in the palisade-cutting group, Private Zachariah C. Neahr, had successfully petitioned for the award decades earlier. At Anderson's prompting, the Adjutant General of the Army launched an investigation which uncovered General Ames' letter of recommendation and sought out the other men of the group.
One soldier in the palisade-cutting group, Private Zachariah C. Neahr, had previously received the award.  Anderson prompted the Adjutant General to investigate, leading to the discovery of General Ames' letter of recommendation and the identification of other members of the group.