Augustus Walley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augustus Walley
|
|
|---|---|
Augustus Walley when he was with the 10th Cavalry, c. 1898
|
|
| Born | March 10, 1856 Reistertown, Maryland |
| Died | April 9, 1938 (aged 82) Baltimore, Maryland |
| Place of burial |
Saint Luke's Cemetery in Reisterstown, Maryland
|
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1878 - 1907, 1918 - 1919 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 9th Cavalry Regiment 10th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War World War I |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Augustus Walley (born March 10, 1856 – died April 9, 1938) was a brave American soldier. He was a "Buffalo Soldier" in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. He earned this award during the Indian Wars in the western United States.
Contents
Augustus Walley's Military Journey
Augustus Walley was born in 1856 in Reisterstown, Maryland. He was born into slavery. In November 1878, he joined the army from Baltimore.
A Heroic Act in New Mexico
On August 16, 1881, Walley was a private in the 9th Cavalry Regiment. He took part in a battle near Cuchillo Negro Creek in New Mexico. This fight was against hostile Apache warriors. During the battle, Walley showed great bravery. He helped rescue other soldiers who were stuck under heavy enemy fire.
His lieutenant, George Ritter Burnett, also received the Medal of Honor for his actions. So did First Sergeant Moses Williams. Nine years later, on October 1, 1890, Augustus Walley officially received his Medal of Honor.
Later Service and Retirement
Walley served in the army for many years. He also fought in the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. He retired from the army in February 1907.
In 1918, he wanted to join the army again for World War I. However, he was too old to be a soldier. Instead, he worked as a laborer for the Army at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. He helped the army for the rest of the war.
Augustus Walley passed away at age 82. He was buried at Saint Luke's Cemetery in Reisterstown, Maryland.
What is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States. It is given to members of the U.S. armed forces. They must show extreme bravery and risk their lives during combat.
Augustus Walley's Medal of Honor Citation
Augustus Walley was a Private in Company I, 9th U.S. Cavalry.
- Where and When: At Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico, on August 16, 1881.
- What he did: He showed bravery in action against hostile Apaches.
