John O. Skinner facts for kids
John Oscar Skinner was an American doctor who lived from 1845 to 1932. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is a very special award. He received it for his brave actions while working as a civilian doctor for the U.S. Army. This happened on January 17, 1873, in a place called Lava Beds, Oregon.
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Early Life and Education
John Oscar Skinner was born in Baltimore on May 4, 1845. His parents were John J. and Emeline Jones Skinner. He loved to learn and studied medicine at many different universities. He went to the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He also took special classes in Germany at the University of Würzburg and in Austria at the University of Vienna. Later, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland in the United States.
Working with the U.S. Army
In January 1871, Dr. Skinner started working as a doctor for the U.S. Army. He was a civilian "contract surgeon," meaning he was hired for a specific job. He worked at Vancouver Barracks in Washington Territory. His brave actions that earned him the Medal of Honor happened in January 1873.
A year later, on November 10, 1874, he officially joined the Army as an assistant surgeon. He was one of four officers who traveled with General George Crook. They explored the lands of the Navajo and Apache people in the southwestern United States.
Caring for Geronimo
Dr. Skinner had a very important role from 1887 to 1893. He was in charge of the famous Apache Chief Geronimo. Geronimo was held at Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida during this time.
Dr. Skinner was promoted to a higher rank, major, on March 9, 1892. He retired from the Army on October 26, 1893. This was shortly after Geronimo left Fort Marion.
Life After the Army
After leaving the Army, Dr. Skinner continued his work in healthcare. For fifteen years, he was the superintendent of Columbia Hospital in Washington, D.C..
He finally received his Medal of Honor in April 1915. It was given to him by President Woodrow Wilson himself.
In October 1918, during World War I, Dr. Skinner returned to active duty. He rejoined the Army as a surgeon with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was put in charge of the United States Army Dispensary in Washington. He was discharged from this duty in January 1919.
Memberships and Legacy
Dr. Skinner was a member of several important groups. These included the Sons of the American Revolution, the Order of the Indian Wars of the United States, and the American Legion. He also belonged to the Optimist Club and the National Press Club.
John Oscar Skinner passed away on September 12, 1932. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many heroes are laid to rest.
Awards
- Medal of Honor
- Indian Campaign Medal
- World War I Victory Medal
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars
- Mary Edwards Walker – Civilian recipient of the Medal of Honor
- Buffalo Bill Cody – Civilian recipient of the Medal of Honor
