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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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BORN:
June 11, 1848 at Randolph County, MO
Entered Service in the US
Army from Huntsville, MO
Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For heroism on
October 20, 1879 at White River (near Camp), CO
DIED:
December 14, 1927 at the age of 79
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After what
appeared to be successful negotiations with five chiefs at the
White River Agency in efforts to avoid hostility, the cavalry
encountered a large Indian force on September 29, 1879. Major
Thornburg again opened negotiations, but talks broke down and
turned into gunfire. The cavalry troops were pushed back towards
their wagon train at Milk River, and serious fighting continued
throughout the following three days, with skirmishes through
October 20. On that date First Lieutenant William Hall was with
a reconnaissance patrol with three men when the small group was
attacked by 35 Indians. First Lieutenant Hall repeatedly exposed
himself in order to draw enemy fire, thus giving his three men
opportunity to locate the enemy positions and fire effectively
on them. His was the last Medal of Honor awarded for the
three-week period that comprised the White River Agency/Milk
River battle.
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