Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on May 15, 1890 for his actions as a corporal in Company A, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, US Army, on January 13, 1877, in eastern Wyoming Territory, during the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. On that day, he and three privates were repairing a telegraph line between Forts Laramie and Fetterman when they learned that Native Americans had attacked three herders close by, near Elkhorn Creek. He led his small group against the much larger Native American force and successfully rescued the herders, although he and two of his men were wounded in the process. He was later promoted to the rank of sergeant and became chief musician of his regiment. He retired from the US Army in 1899. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "While scouting with 4 men and attacked in ambush by 14 hostile Indians, held his ground, 2 of his men being wounded, and kept up the fight until himself wounded in the side, and then went to the assistance of his wounded comrades."
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on May 15, 1890 for his actions as a corporal in Company A, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, US Army, on January 13, 1877, in eastern Wyoming Territory, during the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. On that day, he and three privates were repairing a telegraph line between Forts Laramie and Fetterman when they learned that Native Americans had attacked three herders close by, near Elkhorn Creek. He led his small group against the much larger Native American force and successfully rescued the herders, although he and two of his men were wounded in the process. He was later promoted to the rank of sergeant and became chief musician of his regiment. He retired from the US Army in 1899. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "While scouting with 4 men and attacked in ambush by 14 hostile Indians, held his ground, 2 of his men being wounded, and kept up the fight until himself wounded in the side, and then went to the assistance of his wounded comrades."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
INDIAN WARS
ELKHORN CREEK, WYO
COMPANY A
3RD U.S. CAVALRY
Family Members
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