Frank West (Medal of Honor)
Encyclopedia
Frank West was a United States Army
Colonel
who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor
for actions in fighting Indians at the Battle of Big Dry Wash
, Arizona
. West is an 1872 graduate of West Point
.
, Second Lieutenant Thomas Cruse
and First Sergeant Charles Taylor
were also awarded Medals of Honor in this action. Morgan and Cruse are also Academy graduates.
His wife was Rebecca Kenyon (1851–1912).
Citation:
Rallied his command and led it in the advance against the enemy's fortified position.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for actions in fighting Indians at the Battle of Big Dry Wash
Battle of Big Dry Wash
The Battle of Big Dry Wash was fought on July 17, 1882, between troops of the United States Army's 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 6th Cavalry Regiment and members of the White Mountain Apache tribe...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. West is an 1872 graduate of West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
.
Early life and the western frontier
West served in the 6th Cavalry Regiment on the western frontier. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for rallying his men against a fortified position at Big Dry Wash, Arizona. Three other men, Second Lieutenant George H. MorganGeorge H. Morgan
George Horace Morgan was an American cavalry officer and Medal of Honor recipient. He was the son of a Civil War general, George N. Morgan, and graduated from West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, in 1880....
, Second Lieutenant Thomas Cruse
Thomas Cruse
Thomas Cruse was a United States Army Brigadier General who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 17, 1882, at the Battle of Big Dry Wash, Arizona. An 1879 graduate of West Point, he served in numerous campaigns on the Western Frontier and later in the Philippines...
and First Sergeant Charles Taylor
Charles Taylor (Medal of Honor)
Charles Taylor was an American cavalry soldier and Medal of Honor recipient. He was cited for "gallantry in action" in the Battle of Big Dry Wash in the Arizona Territory in 1882, for which he received the Medal of Honor. Three other men, First Lieutenant Frank West, Second Lieutenant Thomas Cruse...
were also awarded Medals of Honor in this action. Morgan and Cruse are also Academy graduates.
His wife was Rebecca Kenyon (1851–1912).
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Big Dry Wash, Ariz., 17 July 1882. Entered service at: Mohawk, N.Y. Birth: Mohawk, N.Y. Date of issue: 12 July 1892.Citation:
Rallied his command and led it in the advance against the enemy's fortified position.