Nantaje facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nantaje
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | ? Arizona Territory, United States |
| Died | ? |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | c. 1872–1875 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | U.S. Army Indian Scouts |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars Apache Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Nantaje (who lived around 1872 to 1875), also known as Nantahe, was a brave Apache Indian scout. He worked for the U.S. Army during the Apache Wars. Nantaje served under Lieutenant Colonel George Crook. He helped guide soldiers against Apache groups who were still fighting in the Arizona Territory. This happened during Crook's winter campaign in 1872-73. Nantaje was one of ten scouts who later received the Medal of Honor for his courage.
Contents
Nantaje's Early Life and Service
Nantaje was born in the Arizona Territory. Around 1872, he became one of ten Apache Indian scouts. The U.S. Army hired these scouts for Lieutenant Colonel George Crook's mission. Their goal was to find and stop groups of Apache and Yavapais who were still fighting. This happened after the Apache leader Cochise had surrendered in late 1872.
Guiding Through Arizona
Nantaje was a skilled guide. He led cavalry soldiers through the Tonto Basin in Arizona. This area was tough to navigate. For several years, Western Apache and Yavapai groups had successfully avoided U.S. troops there. Nantaje played a key role in Crook's winter campaign of 1872–73. He helped the army in battles against these groups.
The Battle at Skull Cave
During one important fight, Nantaje showed great bravery. He led a group of expert shooters to the entrance of a cave. Many Yavapai were hiding inside this cave.
During the battle, a young Yavapai boy was caught in the dangerous crossfire. Nantaje quickly ran from his safe spot. He carried the boy to safety, away from the fighting. By the end of that day, Nantaje and the other scouts had helped defeat the groups in the cave. Seventy-six people were killed there. After this battle, the place became known as "Skull Cave."
Receiving the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States. It is given for extreme bravery. A total of 23 men received this special award for their actions during these campaigns. All 10 Indian scouts, including Nantaje, were given the Medal of Honor. They received it on April 12, 1875. The award was for their "gallant conduct" (meaning very brave actions) during battles with the Apaches.
The other brave scouts who received the award alongside Nantaje were:
See also
