Thursday, July 24, 2025

Battle of the Little Bighorn: Medal of Honor Recipients

 



In July 1862, Congress authorized a Medal of Honor to be awarded to soldiers who “distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action.”  The first medals were presented in 1863, and it remains the highest decoration for valor the United States can bestow on an individual in the armed services.  There were 421 Medals of Honor awarded during the Indian Wars from 1865 to 1891.

Twenty-four individuals received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, specifically for actions in defense of Reno Hill.  These medals were awarded in 1878.

Name

Rank and Organization

Date of Action

Citation Summary

Neil Bancroft

Private, Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought water for the wounded under heavy fire.

Abram B. Brant

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought water for the wounded under heavy fire.

Thomas J. Callan

Private, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25–26, 1876

Obtained water for the wounded and assisted in driving away Indians.

Benjamin C. Criswell

Sergeant, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Rescued Lt. Hodgson's body, brought ammunition, encouraged men under heavy fire.

Charles Cunningham

Corporal, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Fought bravely despite being wounded, declined to leave the line.

Frederick Deetline

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

George Geiger

Sergeant, Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Held a position securing water for the command with comrades.

Theodore W. Goldin

Private, Company G, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 26, 1876

Part of a party bringing water to the wounded under heavy fire.

Richard P. Hanley

Sergeant, Company C, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Recaptured a stampeded pack mule with ammunition under 20 minutes of fire.

David W. Harris

Private, Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought water to the wounded at great danger under heavy fire.

William M. Harris

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

Henry Holden

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought up ammunition under heavy fire.

Rufus D. Hutchinson

Sergeant, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Guarded and carried the wounded, brought water, directed men under fire.

Henry W. B. Mechlin

Blacksmith, Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Held a position securing water for the command with comrades.

Thomas Murray

Sergeant, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought up pack train and rations on the second day under heavy fire.

James Pym

Private, Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Voluntarily went for water under heavy fire.

Stanislaus Roy

Sergeant, Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought water to the wounded at great danger under heavy fire.

George D. Scott

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25–26, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

Thomas W. Stivers

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25–26, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

Peter Thompson

Private, Company C, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Brought water to the wounded, made two trips despite being shot through the head.

Frank Tolan

Private, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

Otto Voit

Saddler, Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25, 1876

Held an exposed position with comrades, diverting fire for over 20 minutes.

Charles H. Welch

Sergeant, Company D, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25–26, 1876

Voluntarily brought water to the wounded under fire.

Charles Windolph

Private, Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry

Jun 25–26, 1876

Held a position securing water for the command with comrades during the engagement.







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