Myles Moylan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myles Moylan
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| Born | December 17, 1838 Tuam, Ireland |
| Died | December 11, 1909 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Buried |
Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, California
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1857–1893 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Commands held | Company A, 7th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Myles Moylan (born December 17, 1838 – died December 11, 1909) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He had a long and important military career. He fought in many famous battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was honored with the Medal of Honor for his amazing leadership during the Battle of Bear Paw. Moylan also took part in other significant events like the Washita Massacre and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
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Early Life and First Steps in the Army
Myles Moylan was born in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, on December 17, 1838. His parents were Thomas and Margaret Moylan. Before joining the army, he worked as a shoemaker.
He became a private in the U.S. Army on June 8, 1857. He joined the 2nd U.S. Dragoons. Moylan quickly moved up the ranks. He became a corporal in 1858 and a sergeant in 1860. By May 1861, he was a first sergeant.
Fighting in the American Civil War
Moylan's first big battle was the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri. This fight happened on August 10, 1861. He also fought in several other important battles in Tennessee. These included the Battle of Fort Henry in February 1862 and the Battle of Fort Donelson later that month.
He then participated in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. After that, he was part of the Siege of Corinth in Mississippi. On March 28, 1863, Moylan was promoted to second lieutenant. He joined the 5th United States Cavalry. With this group, he fought in the famous Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania in July 1863.
Later, Moylan left the service for a short time. He then rejoined the army under a different name. He became a sergeant in the 4th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He was quickly promoted to first lieutenant and then captain. By April 1865, he was a major. He left the army again in November 1865.
Serving in the Indian Wars
In January 1866, Moylan joined the U.S. Army once more. He became a regimental sergeant major for the new 7th United States Cavalry Regiment. By December 1866, he was a first lieutenant.
He was present at the Washita Massacre in November 1868. In March 1872, Moylan was promoted to captain. He married Charlotte "Lottie" Calhoun in October 1872. She was the sister of Lieutenant James Calhoun. James Calhoun was killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Captain Moylan took part in the Yellowstone Expedition of 1873. He also joined the Black Hills Expedition of 1874. He fought with the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in June 1876. He commanded Company A during this battle.
Moylan received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions. This award was given for his leadership on September 30, 1877, during the Battle of Bear Paw. He was also present at the Wounded Knee Massacre in December 1890. Moylan was promoted to Major in April 1892 and retired in 1893.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the army, Myles Moylan moved to San Diego. He had a house built there. Famous architects Irving Gill and Joseph Falkenham designed his home. Today, this house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Myles Moylan passed away at his home on December 11, 1909. He died from cancer.
See also
