Powhatan Henry Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Powhatan Henry Clarke
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Powhatan Henry Clarke wearing his Medal of Honor
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| Born | October 9, 1862 Alexandria, Louisiana |
| Died | July 21, 1893 (aged 30) Fort Custer, Montana |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1884–1893 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 10th U.S. Cavalry 9th U.S. Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Powhatan Henry Clarke (born October 9, 1862 – died July 21, 1893) was a brave United States Army officer. He was a First Lieutenant and received the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He earned this medal during the Geronimo Campaign in Sonora, Mexico. He was honored for saving a wounded soldier on May 3, 1886.
Famous artist Frederic Remington even created art about Clarke. Two of his famous pieces are "Lieutenant Powhatan H Clarke Tenth Cavalry" and "Soldiering in the Southwest–The Rescue of Corporal Scott".
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Powhatan Henry Clarke was born on October 9, 1862, in Ulster Plantation, Boyce, Louisiana. He was the son of Louise Frances Boyce and Dr. Powhatan Clarke. He also spent some time studying in France.
In 1884, he graduated from the United States Military Academy. This is a special school that trains future officers for the U.S. Army.
Heroic Actions and Awards
After graduating, Clarke became a second lieutenant in the 10th Cavalry Regiment. This unit was part of the Buffalo Soldiers, which were African American cavalry regiments. They were stationed at Fort Davis, Texas.
On May 3, 1886, Clarke showed great bravery. He rescued one of his wounded soldiers, Corporal Edward Scott. They were under heavy attack from Apache warriors in the Pinito Mountains, Sonora. For this courageous act, Clarke received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award a soldier can get for bravery in battle.
Later Military Career
Clarke later became the leader of the Apache Scouts until 1891. These scouts were Native American allies who helped the U.S. Army. In 1891, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was then transferred to the 9th Cavalry Regiment.
From 1891 to 1892, he traveled to Düsseldorf, Germany. There, he observed a German Hussar regiment to learn about their military practices. He was very impressed by how disciplined the German Army was.
Final Years
By early 1892, Clarke was back with the 10th Cavalry. From 1892 until his death in 1893, he lived at Fort Custer, Montana. In 1892, he married Elizabeth Clemens. They had one son together.
Sadly, Powhatan Henry Clarke died on July 21, 1893. He drowned in the Little Bighorn River after hitting his head while diving into shallow water. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
See also
