Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born to a black Seminole family in Alachua, Florida, he served as an Indian Scout Private in the 4th US Cavalry. At Canyon Blanco, near the Red River, Texas, on September 26, 1874, Private Paine, with four other scouts, was sent out to search for hostile Indians. When the group was attacked by 40 Kiowas, the scouts fled, fighting as they went. Private Paine held back to protect the others, allowing them to get away as he fired at their pursuers. When his horse was shot out from under him, he used it as a shield, managing to kill one of the attackers and capture the dead man's horse to escape. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 13, 1875, for courage in the face of the enemy. His citation reads, "Rendered invaluable service to Col. R.S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, during this engagement."
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born to a black Seminole family in Alachua, Florida, he served as an Indian Scout Private in the 4th US Cavalry. At Canyon Blanco, near the Red River, Texas, on September 26, 1874, Private Paine, with four other scouts, was sent out to search for hostile Indians. When the group was attacked by 40 Kiowas, the scouts fled, fighting as they went. Private Paine held back to protect the others, allowing them to get away as he fired at their pursuers. When his horse was shot out from under him, he used it as a shield, managing to kill one of the attackers and capture the dead man's horse to escape. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 13, 1875, for courage in the face of the enemy. His citation reads, "Rendered invaluable service to Col. R.S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, during this engagement."
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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