MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
The 6th U.S. Cavalry Regiment has earned 56 Medals of Honor under its standard.
TOTAL PER TROOP:
REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER (1)
A TRP (4)
B TRP (4)
C TRP (1)
D TRP (2)
F TRP (2)
G TRP (1)
H TRP (18)
I TRP (3)
K TRP (5)
L TRP (5)
M TRP (8)
SCOUTS (2)
CIVIL WAR:
PLATT, GEORGE C.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Fairfield, Pa., 3 July 63.
Entered service at: -----.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 12 July 1895.
Citation: Seized the regimental flag upon the death of the standard bearer in a hand-to-hand fight and prevented it from falling into the hands of the enemy.
SCHWENK, MARTIN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop B, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Millerstown, Pa., July 1863.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Germany.
Date of issue: 23 April 1889.
Citation: Bravery in an attempt to carry a communication through the enemy's lines; also rescued an officer from the hands of the enemy.
INDIAN WARS:
ANDERSON, JAMES
Rank and organization: Private, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 5 October 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Canada East.
Date of issue: 19 November 1870.
Citation: Gallantry during the pursuit and fight with Indians.
AYERS, JAMES F.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Collinstown, Va.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: Rapid pursuit, gallantry, energy, and enterprise in an engagement with Indians.
BOWDEN, SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 5 October 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Salem, Mass.
Date of issue: 19 November 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in pursuit of and fight with Indians.
BOWMAN, ALONZO
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop D, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Cibicu Creek, Ariz., 30 August 1881.
Entered service at: Washington Township, Maine.
Birth: 15 June 1848, Washington Township, Maine.
Date of issue: 4 November 1882.
Citation: Conspicuous and extraordinary bravery in attacking mutinous scouts.
BROGAN, JAMES
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop G, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Simon Valley, Ariz., 14 December 1877.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 9 January 1880.
Citation: Engaged singlehanded 2 renegade Indians until his horse was shot under him and then pursued them so long as he was able.
CARTER, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Regimental Quartermaster, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Cibicu, Ariz., 30 August 1881.
Entered service at: New York, N.Y.
Birth: Nashville, Tenn.
Date of issue: 17 September 1891.
Citation: Rescued, with the voluntary assistance of 2 soldiers, the wounded from under a heavy fire.
CHAPMAN, AMOS
Rank and organization: Scout (Civilian), 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Washita River, Texas. 12 September 1874. Issue date:
Birth: 15 May 1839, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Date of Issue: 4 November 1874.
Citation: Gallantry in action. (In 1916, the general review of all Medals of Honor deemed 900 unwarranted. This recipient was one of them. In June 1989, the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Records restored the medal to this recipient.)
CHEEVER, BENJAMIN H., JR.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Troop F, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At White River, South Dakota, 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: Washington, D.C.
Birth: 7 June 1850, Washington, D.C.
Date of issue. 25 April 1891.
Citation: Headed the advance across White River partly frozen, in a spirited movement to the effective assistance of Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
CONNOR, JOHN
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Texas, 12 July 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
CRUSE, THOMAS
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Big Dry Fork, Arizona, 17 July 1882.
Entered service at: Owensboro, Kentucky.
Birth: Owensboro, Kentucky.
Date of issue: 12 July 1892.
Citation: Gallantly charged hostile Indians, and with his carbine compelled a party of them to keep under cover of their breastworks, thus being enabled to recover a severely wounded soldier.
DAWSON, MICHAEL
Rank and organization: Trumpeter, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Sappa Creek, Kansas, 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Boston, Massachusetts.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
DIXON, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Scout. 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Wichita River, Texas. 4 November 1874
Birth: 25 October 1850, Ohio County, West Virginia.
Citation: Gallantry in action. (In 1916, the general review of all Medals of Honor deemed 900 unwarranted. This recipient was one of them. In June 1989, the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Records restored the medal to this recipient.)
ELDRIDGE, GEORGE H.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop C, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Wichita River, Texas., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Sacketts Harbor, N.Y.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
GARDINER, PETER W.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date. Sappa Creek, Kansas, 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Carlisle, N.Y.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With 5 other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
*GIVEN, JOHN J.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio.
Birth: Daviess County, Ky.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Bravery in action.
HARRINGTON, JOHN
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Texas, 12 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Detroit, Mich.
Date of issue: 4 November 1874.
Citation: While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day. He was severely wounded in the hip and unable to move. He continued to fight, defending an exposed dying man.
HEARTERY, RICHARD
Rank and organization: Private, Troop D, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Cibicu, Ariz., 30 August 1881.
Entered service at: San Francisco, California.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 20 July 1888.
Citation: Bravery in action.
HORNADAY, SIMPSON
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Hendricks County, Indiana.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With 5 other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
HOWZE, ROBERT L.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At White River, S. Dakota., 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: Overton, Rusk County, Texas.
Born: 22 August 1864, Overton, Rusk County, Tex.
Date of issue: 25 July 1891.
Citation: Bravery in action.
KEATING, DANIEL
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 5 October 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 19 November 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action and in pursuit of Indians.
KERR, JOHN B.
Rank and organization: Captain, Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At White River, S. Dak., 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: Hutchison Station, Ky.
Birth: Fayette County, Ky.
Date of issue: 25 April 1891.
Citation: For distinguished bravery while in command of his troop in action against hostile Sioux Indians on the north bank of the White River, near the mouth of Little Grass Creek, S. Dak., where he defeated a force of 300 Brule Sioux warriors and turned the Sioux tribe, which was endeavoring to enter the Bad Lands, back into the Pine Ridge Agency.
KERRIGAN, THOMAS
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
KIRK, JOHN
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Troop L, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: York, Pa.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
KITCHEN, GEORGE K.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Upper Wichita, Tex., 9 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Lebanon County, Pa.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
KNIGHT, JOSEPH F.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop F, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At White River, S. Dak., 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Danville, 111.
Date of issue: 1 May 1891.
Citation: Led the advance in a spirited movement to the assistance of Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
LOWTHERS, JAMES
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Boston, Mass.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With S other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
MAY, JOHN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop L, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Germany.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
MORRIS, WILLIAM W.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Upper Washita, Tex., 9-11 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Stewart County, Tenn.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: Gallantry in engagement with Indians.
MYERS, FRED
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At White River, S. Dak., 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: Washington, D.C.
Birth: Germany.
Date of issue: 4 February 1891.
Citation: With 5 men repelled a superior force of the enemy and held his position against their repeated efforts to recapture it.
NEAL, SOLON D.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop L, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Hanover, N.H.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
NEILON, FREDERICK S. (Later changed name to Frank Singleton)
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop A, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Upper Washita, Tex., 9-11 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Boston, Mass.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
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PENNSYL, JOSIAH
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Upper Washita, Tex., 11 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Frederick County, Md.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
PLATTEN, FREDERICK
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With S other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
PORTER, SAMUEL
Rank and organization: Farrier, Troop L, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Montgomery County, Md.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
ROBBINS, MARCUS M.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Elba, Wis.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With 5 other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
ROTH, PETER
Rank and organization: Private, Troop A, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Germany.
Date of issue: 4 November 1874.
Citation: While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day.
RYAN, DENNIS
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Troop I, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Gageby Creek, Indian Territory, 2 December 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Ireland.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: Courage while in command of a detachment.
SHARPLESS, EDWARD C.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Upper Washita, Tex., 9-11 September 1874.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Marion County, Ohio.
Date of issue: 23 April 1875.
Citation: While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he (and a comrade) fought throughout the day.
SMITH, CHARLES E.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Auburn, N.Y.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
SMITH, CORNELIUS C.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: Near White River, S. Dak., 1 January 1891.
Entered service at: Helena, Mont.
Birth: Tucson, Ariz.
Date of issue: 4 February 1891.
Citation: With 4 men of his troop drove off a superior force of the enemy and held his position against their repeated efforts to recapture it, and subsequently pursued them a great distance.
*SMITH, GEORGE W.
Rank and organization: Private, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 September 1874.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Greenfield, N.Y.
Date of issue: 4 November 1874.
Citation: While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day. Pvt. Smith was mortally wounded during the engagement and died early the next day.
STOKES, ALONZO
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Logan County, Ohio.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
TEA, RICHARD L.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Sappa Creek, Kans., 23 April 1875.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Philadelphia, Pa.
Date of issue: 16 November 1876.
Citation: With 5 other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.
WATSON, JAMES C.
Rank and organization: Corporal, Troop I., 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at. ------.
Birth: Coshocton, N.Y.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
WELCH, MICHAEL
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 5 October 1870.
Entered service at:------.
Birth: Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Date of issue: 19 November 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
WEST, FRANK
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Troop H, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Big Dry Wash, Ariz., 17 July 1882.
Entered service at: Mohawk, N.Y.
Birth: Mohawk, N.Y.
Date of issue: 12 July 1892.
Citation: Rallied his command and led it in the advance against the enemy's fortified position.
WILSON, BENJAMIN
Rank and organization: Private, Troop M, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 5 October 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Date of issue: 19 November 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
WINDUS, CLARON A.
Rank and organization: Bugler, Troop L, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Janesville, Wis.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
WINTERBOTTOM, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop A, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 July 1870.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: England.
Date of issue: 25 August 1870.
Citation: Gallantry in action.
WOODALL, ZACHARIAH
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop I, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Wichita River, Tex., 12 September 1874.
Entered service at: ------.
Birth: Alexandria, Va.
Date of issue: 7 November 1874.
Citation: While in command of 5 men and carrying dispatches, was attacked by 125 Indians, where, he with his command fought throughout the day, he being severely wounded.
PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION:
HENDERSON, JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Troop B, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Patian Island, Philippine Islands, 2 July 1909.
Entered service at: Leavenworth, Kans.
Birth: Leavenworth, Kans.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: While in action against hostile Moros, voluntarily advanced alone, in the face of a heavy fire, to within about 15 yards of the hostile position and refastened to a tree a block and tackle used in checking the recoil of a mountain gun.
KENNEDY, JOHN T.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, Troop B, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Patian Island, Philippine Islands, 4 July 1909.
Entered service at: Orangeburg, S.C.
Birth: Hendersonville, S.C.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: While in action against hostile Moros, he entered with a few enlisted men the mouth of a cave occupied by a desperate enemy, this act having been ordered after he had volunteered several times. In this action 2d Lt. Kennedy was severely wounded.
MILLER, ARCHIE
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, Troop B, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Patian Island, Philippine Islands, 2 July 1909.
Entered service at: St. Louis, Mo.
Birth: Fort Sheridan, Ill.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: While in action against hostile Moros, when the machinegun detachment, having been driven from its position by a heavy fire, 1 member being killed, did, with the assistance of an enlisted man, place the machinegun in advance of its former position at a distance of about 20 yards from the enemy, in accomplishing which he was obliged to splice a piece of timber to one leg of the gun tripod, all the while being under a heavy fire, and the gun tripod being several times struck by bullets.
WILSON, ARTHUR H.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, Troop A, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Place and date: At Patian Island, Philippine Islands, 4 July 1909.
Entered service at: Springfield, Ill.
Birth: Springfield, Ill.
Date of issue: Unknown.
Citation: While in action against hostile Moros, when, it being necessary to secure a mountain gun in position by rope and tackle, voluntarily with the assistance of an enlisted man, carried the rope forward and fastened it, being all the time under heavy fire of the enemy at short range.