Charles A. Bessey
Charles A. Bessey | |
|---|---|
Great Sioux War of 1876-77 | |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles A. Bessey (1848–1909) was a
Biography
Bessey was born in
On that day, Bessey and three privates were repairing a
Bessey was later promoted to sergeant and became Chief Musician of his regiment. He retired in 1899 and died ten years later of kidney failure, probably caused by the wound he received near Elkhorn Creek.[4] Aged 60 or 61 at his death, he was buried in Biloxi City Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi.[2]
After his death, his Medal of Honor was held by his daughter, who displayed it in her home. A hurricane destroyed the house and the medal was thought to be lost, but was eventually found in the wreckage. The family then donated the medal to the Third Cavalry Museum at
Medal of Honor citation
Bessey's official 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.[1]
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ a b c d e "Indian Wars Period Medal of Honor recipients". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. January 27, 2009. Archived from the original on August 3, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
- ^ a b usgwarchives.net
- ^ ISBN 978-1-57441-196-6.
- ^ "1st Squadron: "Tiger Squadron"". GlobalSecurity.org. May 23, 2005. Retrieved March 20, 2009.
- ^ Stairrett, Amanda Kim (March 7, 2009). "Third Cavalry Museum to be ready in May". Killeen Daily Herald. Archived from the original on March 12, 2009. Retrieved March 20, 2009.