Brent Woods facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brent Woods
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Sergeant Brent Woods
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| Born | 1855 Pulaski County, Kentucky |
| Died | March 31, 1906 (aged 50–51) Somerset, Kentucky |
| Place of burial |
Mill Springs National Cemetery, Nancy, Kentucky
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1873 – 1902 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 9th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | Pearl Baker |
Brent Woods (born 1855, died 1906) was a brave African American soldier. He was part of a special group called the Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in America. He earned it for his actions during the American Indian Wars in the western United States.
Contents
Life of a Hero
Brent Woods was born in Pulaski County, Kentucky. He was born into slavery but became free when he was 8 years old. This was an important change in his life.
Joining the Army
In October 1873, when he was 18, Brent joined the U.S. Army. He signed up in Louisville, Kentucky. He became part of Company B in the 9th Cavalry Regiment. This regiment was famous for its African American soldiers, known as Buffalo Soldiers.
Brave Actions in Battle
On August 19, 1881, Woods showed great courage. He was in a battle at Gavilan Canyon in New Mexico. They were fighting against Chief Nana and a group of Apache warriors. During this fight, six soldiers in his cavalry unit were killed. Their leader, a lieutenant, also died.
Sergeant Woods quickly took charge. He led his fellow soldiers and helped save many of their lives. His brave actions made a big difference in the battle.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Thirteen years later, on July 12, 1894, Sergeant Woods was honored for his bravery. He received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for military heroism in the United States. It showed how important his actions were.
Later Life and Legacy
Brent Woods retired from the army in November 1902. He then returned to Somerset, Kentucky. He passed away in 1906 when he was about 50 or 51 years old. He was first buried in an unmarked grave.
For many years, not many people knew about Sergeant Woods' amazing achievements. But in 1982, a woman named Lorraine Smith started a project. She wanted to make sure Woods' grave was properly marked.
On June 20, 1984, the U.S. Army moved Woods' remains. They gave him a full military funeral on October 28, 1984. Now, his grave can be found in section A, grave 930, at Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky. This ensures his bravery is remembered.
