Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Kyle
1846

–

July 18, 1870

Cemetery:

Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery

John Kile enlisted and then deserted from several military units, including Custer’s summer expedition in 1867, using the alias’ John Kelley and John Kyle at different times. He also received a Medal of Honor. When he was brought to Custer for his desertion in 1867, he showed Custer his Medal of Honor papers and Custer exonerated his desertion. Several weeks later, he got into a brawl with Wild Bill Hickok. He tried to shoot Hickok, but his gun misfired and then Hickok shot and killed him.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Division:

    5th U.S. Cavalry

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1869
    Date of Issue: August 24, 1869

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal John Kyle, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 8 July 1869, while serving with Company M, 5th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Republican River, Kansas. Corporal Kyle and two others were attacked by eight Indians, but beat them off and badly wounded two of them.