John Brown Kerr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Brown Kerr
|
|
|---|---|
Col. John B. Kerr in 1904
|
|
| Born | March 12, 1847 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Died | February 27, 1928 (aged 80) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1870–1909 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | 6th Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands held | 12th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars Spanish–American War Philippine–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star |
John Brown Kerr (born March 12, 1847 – died February 27, 1928) was a brave United States Army officer. He became a Brigadier General and received the Medal of Honor. This special award was given to him for his actions while fighting against Native American tribes in South Dakota.
Contents
Early Life and Frontier Adventures
John Brown Kerr was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 12, 1847. He studied at West Point, a famous military school, and graduated in 1870.
He spent most of his time in the Army on the western frontier. This was a time when the United States was expanding westward. He often worked as a scout in the 6th Cavalry Regiment. On January 1, 1891, he led his soldiers against about 300 Brule Sioux warriors in South Dakota. For his courage and leadership in this fight, he was given the Medal of Honor a few months later.
Fighting in the Spanish-American War
Later, John Kerr fought in the Spanish–American War. This was a war between the United States and Spain. He was a captain in the 10th Cavalry Regiment. He took part in the famous Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.
After this war, he was promoted to major. He was also recognized for his bravery during the fighting in Santiago, Cuba. This special recognition later became the Silver Star medal. In 1901, he was promoted again to lieutenant colonel and joined the 9th Cavalry Regiment.
Leading Troops and Later Years
In 1903, John Kerr became a colonel. He then commanded the 12th Cavalry Regiment during the Philippine–American War. This war took place in the Philippines.
In 1908, he was promoted to Brigadier General, which is a very high rank in the Army. He led the Mounted Service School for a short time. He retired from the Army on May 20, 1909.
John Brown Kerr passed away in Washington, D.C., on February 27, 1928. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many heroes are laid to rest.
Awards for Bravery
John Brown Kerr received several important awards for his service:
- Medal of Honor: The highest military award for bravery.
- Silver Star: An award for gallantry in action.
- Indian Campaign Medal: For serving in the American Indian Wars.
- Spanish Campaign Medal: For serving in the Spanish-American War.
- Philippine Campaign Medal: For serving in the Philippine–American War.
