Sgt. Dougherty was stationed at Fort Hartsuff, southeast of the present town of Burwell, Nebraska. In April 1876, some turkeys were taken from a settler's home northwest of Burwell by a small band of Sioux Indians. A detachment of 11 soldiers from Company A, 23rd U.S. Infantry, was sent in pursuit of the Sioux, who had been surrounded by settlers in a sandy depression. During the ensuing fight, which became known as the curiously named "Battle of the Blowout," Sgt. Dougherty was the only soldier killed in action. Three other soldiers were later awarded the Medal of Honor for this skirmish with the Indians. Sgt. Dougherty was first buried in the post cemetery at Fort Hartsuff. When the Army closed the fort in 1881, his remains, together with other soldiers buried there, were re-interred at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Today, Fort Hartsuff is a Nebraska state historical park.
Sgt. Dougherty was stationed at Fort Hartsuff, southeast of the present town of Burwell, Nebraska. In April 1876, some turkeys were taken from a settler's home northwest of Burwell by a small band of Sioux Indians. A detachment of 11 soldiers from Company A, 23rd U.S. Infantry, was sent in pursuit of the Sioux, who had been surrounded by settlers in a sandy depression. During the ensuing fight, which became known as the curiously named "Battle of the Blowout," Sgt. Dougherty was the only soldier killed in action. Three other soldiers were later awarded the Medal of Honor for this skirmish with the Indians. Sgt. Dougherty was first buried in the post cemetery at Fort Hartsuff. When the Army closed the fort in 1881, his remains, together with other soldiers buried there, were re-interred at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Today, Fort Hartsuff is a Nebraska state historical park.
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