Mosheim Feaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mosheim Feaster
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| Nickname(s) | Frank |
| Born | May 27, 1867 Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | March 18, 1950 (aged 82) San Bruno, California |
| Place of burial |
Golden Gate National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | c. 1889–1914 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 7th U.S. Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
First Sergeant Mosheim Feaster (May 27, 1867 – March 18, 1950) was an American soldier who served in the U.S. Army. He was part of the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars. He is especially remembered for his incredible bravery at the Battle of Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890. For his actions, he was one of twenty soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military award for bravery in the United States. Mosheim Feaster also served in the Spanish–American War.
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Early Life and First Service
Mosheim Feaster was born in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, on May 27, 1867. His parents were Conrad and Mary Feaster. He joined the U.S. Army on October 23, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio. He became a soldier in Company E of the 7th Cavalry Regiment.
His unit was sent to the Dakota Territory to serve on the frontier. During the late 1880s, Feaster took part in military actions against the Sioux people.
Bravery at Wounded Knee
On the morning of December 29, 1890, Feaster's unit surrounded the camp of the Sioux chief Big Foot near Wounded Knee Creek. The soldiers intended to arrest Big Foot and disarm his followers. However, fighting broke out, leading to a tragic event known as the Battle of Wounded Knee.
During this battle, Mosheim Feaster showed amazing courage. He moved to an open area and held his position even though he was under heavy enemy fire. His actions were called "extraordinary gallantry." Because of his bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can receive for heroism in combat.
Feaster finished his first period of service as a private on June 22, 1893. He was discharged at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Service in the Spanish–American War
Mosheim Feaster rejoined the army on October 9, 1893, in Cleveland. This time, he joined Company E of the 10th Infantry Regiment.
On July 1, 1898, Feaster, who was a sergeant by then, again showed great bravery. He advanced beyond the main line of soldiers during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. This battle was a key part of the Spanish–American War. He was discharged as a sergeant on October 8, 1898, at Bedloe's Island in New York.
Later Years and Retirement
Feaster continued his military career by rejoining the army several more times. On December 5, 1898, he enlisted again in Cleveland, joining the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. While serving as a corporal during this time, he was recognized again for his actions in Cuba. He was discharged as a first sergeant on December 4, 1901.
Mosheim Feaster served at least four more times in the U.S. Army:
- He enlisted on February 14, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois, joining the 4th Infantry Regiment. He was discharged as a private on February 23, 1905, at Angel Island, California.
- He enlisted again on February 25, 1905, in San Francisco, California. He was discharged as a corporal on February 24, 1908, in Chicago.
- He joined the recruiting service for the infantry on March 5, 1908, in Chicago. He was discharged as a sergeant on March 4, 1911, also in Chicago.
- His last known enlistment was on March 18, 1911, at the Presidio of Monterey, California. He joined Company K of the 8th Infantry Regiment. He was discharged as a sergeant on March 14, 1914, in Manila, Philippine Islands.
Mosheim Feaster likely re-enlisted after his discharge in March 1914. By September 1914, First Sergeant Feaster, still with Company K, was officially placed on the retired list. This marked the end of a long and distinguished military career.
Feaster passed away on March 18, 1950, in San Mateo, California. He is buried at the Golden Gate National Cemetery. His grave marker shows his rank as first lieutenant, but records from the Veterans Administration show his rank as first sergeant.
