Paul H. Weinert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul H. Weinert
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Paul H. Weinert as appearing in O.F. Keydel's Deeds of Valor: How America's Heroes Won the Medal of Honor (1907)
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| Born | May 28, 1869 Frankfurt, Germany |
| Died | January 19, 1919 (aged 49) Milton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Place of burial |
Milton Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1886 - 1895, 1898 - 1899 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Ghost Dance War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Paul H. Weinert was an American soldier. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army. He served with the 1st U.S. Artillery during the Indian Wars. He is famous for his bravery at the Wounded Knee Massacre. This event happened on December 29, 1890. Paul Weinert received the Medal of Honor for his actions. This is a very special award for soldiers. He took command when his officer was hurt.
Who Was Paul H. Weinert?
Paul H. Weinert was born in Frankfurt, Germany. His birthday was July 15, 1869. Later, he moved to the United States. He joined the United States Army in November 1886. He was only 17, but he said he was 21 to join.
He was part of Battery E of the 1st U.S. Artillery. By the time he was 20, he had become a Corporal.
Bravery at Wounded Knee
Paul Weinert was at the Wounded Knee Massacre. This happened on December 29, 1890. Soldiers from the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment surrounded a camp. It was the camp of the Sioux leader Big Foot. The soldiers wanted to take weapons from his group.
Fighting started that morning. Weinert's unit used four Hotchkiss guns. These were small cannons. They moved in to help the cavalry soldiers. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Harry Hawthorne, was badly hurt. Paul Weinert bravely took charge of the cannons.
He and another soldier directed the cannon fire. They successfully cleared out a difficult spot. This spot was a ravine where many Sioux warriors were. Weinert and the other soldier stayed under heavy fire. At one point, a bullet hit a cannon round. It was knocked right out of Weinert's hands. The cannon itself was hit many times by bullets.
They kept moving the cannon by hand after each shot. This helped them get a better position. They fought until the battle ended. For his brave actions, Paul Weinert received the Medal of Honor. Four other artillery soldiers also received this award.
He left the army in 1895. He served again from 1898 to 1899.
Later Life and Legacy
Paul Weinert passed away in Milton, Massachusetts. He died on January 19, 1919. He was 49 years old. He is buried at Milton Cemetery. Another Medal of Honor recipient, Edward A. Gisburne, is also buried there.
