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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, 1850 at Boydton, VA
Entered Service in the US
Army from Detroit, MI
Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For heroism on
September 29 - October 05, 1879 at Milk River, CO
DIED: January
31, 1904 at the age of 53
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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 day. Sergeant Henry Johnson received the Medal of
Honor for "gallantry in action" during the three day
battle and in continuing skirmishes through October 5. His
citation notes that he "Voluntarily left fortified shelter
and under heavy fire at close range made the rounds of the pits
to instruct the guards, fought his way to the creek and back to
bring water to the wounded." In all, eleven soldiers earned
the Medal of Honor during the three-day battle. A twelfth was
awarded for the final action in the White River Agency/Milk
River battle on October 20.
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