Chrissy --

This is a really good story. No, it wouldn't have hurt, but the Confederacy never issued medals to any soldier -- not to Robert E. Lee, not to the bravest hero who died in battle. In special cases Roll of Honor commendations were issued to soldiers engaged in battle as determined by a vote of company members. Perhaps a Mississippi representative asked for a special resolution of Congress to recognize the efforts you describe. That could be the case, and we simply don't know about it.

Unless railway right-of-way rights have been voided, the burial site mentioned should still be clear of development. You may consider contacting the railroad or the county engineer's department about right-of-way maps, the oldest you can find. I once worked for a mapping company, and it was a pleasant surprise to find old landmarks on early maps.