George Loyd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Loyd
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U.S. Army Medal of Honor (1862–1895)
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| Born | 1843 County Tyrone, Ireland |
| Died | December 17, 1892 (aged 48–49) Fort Riley, Kansas, US |
| Place of burial |
Fort Riley, Kansas
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1866 – 1892 |
| Rank | First sergeant |
| Unit | 7th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
George Loyd (born 1843 – died December 17, 1892) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He is remembered for his actions in two important events: the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Battle of Wounded Knee. For his courage at Wounded Knee, he received the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. His last name was sometimes spelled "Lloyd."
Contents
George Loyd: A Soldier's Story
Early Life and Joining the Army
George Loyd was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1843. He later moved to the United States.
Loyd joined the U.S. Army for the first time on March 17, 1866. He enlisted in the 7th Cavalry Regiment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After serving for three years, he was honorably discharged as a corporal in Canton, Texas.
He decided to re-enlist the very next day, on March 21, 1869. This time, he joined the 6th Cavalry Regiment. He served another five years and was discharged as a private in 1874.
Fighting in Important Battles
Loyd joined the 7th Cavalry again on April 13, 1874. This was his third time serving in the army.
He was a survivor of the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25–26, 1876. During this battle, he was promoted to corporal. He continued to serve and was discharged as a sergeant in 1879.
Loyd immediately re-enlisted and served another five years. He was discharged in 1884. He then re-enlisted again, continuing his long career in the army.
A Hero's Award and Final Years
On April 15, 1889, George Loyd re-enlisted for what would be his final time. He was part of the cavalry troops sent to capture Chief Big Foot.
On December 29, 1890, soldiers surrounded a Sioux camp at Wounded Knee Creek. Their goal was to arrest the chief and disarm his followers. Loyd, who was a sergeant, showed great bravery during this event. He was even wounded in his lung.
Because of his courage, George Loyd was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 16, 1891. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.
Less than two years later, on December 17, 1892, First Sergeant Loyd passed away. He was one of the oldest soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas at the time. He was buried in the Fort Riley post cemetery.
