Clinton Greaves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clinton Greaves
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Clinton Greaves statue at Fort Bayard, New Mexico
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| Born | August 12, 1855 Madison County, Virginia, US |
| Died | August 18, 1906 (aged 51) |
| Place of burial |
Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1872–1893 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 9th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Clinton Greaves (August 12, 1855 – August 18, 1906) was a brave Buffalo Soldier who served in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. He earned this award for his actions during the American Indian Wars in the western United States.
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Clinton Greaves: A Buffalo Soldier's Story
Clinton Greaves was born in Madison County, Virginia, on August 12, 1855. He joined the U.S. Army in September 1872, when he was about 17 years old. He became part of the 9th Cavalry Regiment. Soldiers in this regiment were known as Buffalo Soldiers. This name was given to African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War.
Bravery in the Florida Mountains
By January 24, 1877, Greaves was a Corporal in Company C. On this day, he was part of a group of soldiers in the Florida Mountains of New Mexico. They were involved in a tense situation with Apaches. What started as a talk quickly turned into a fight.
During the battle, Greaves showed amazing courage. He fired his carbine, a type of rifle, until he ran out of bullets. Even then, he didn't give up. He used his carbine as a club to fight. His brave actions created an opening that allowed his group to escape. For his heroism in this fight, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 26, 1879. This was two years after the battle.
Life After the Army
Clinton Greaves served in the army for more than 20 years. He reached the rank of Sergeant before he left the military in 1893. After his time in the army, he worked for the Quartermaster Department as a civilian. This department helps supply the army with what it needs. Greaves passed away at age 51 from heart disease. He was buried at Green Lawn Cemetery (Columbus, Ohio).
Camp Greaves: A Lasting Honor
To honor Sergeant Greaves, a U.S. Army base in South Korea was named after him. This base, called Camp Greaves, is located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ is a border area that separates North and South Korea. Naming the camp after him shows how important his bravery and service were.
