Los Angeles herald., 1910-10-02
SERGEANT PRIZES
MEDALS OF HONOR
George EIdridge, Soldiers Home,
Possessor of Precious Trlb-
utes for GaIIantry
HEROIC FIGHT WITH INDIANS
Congress Recognizes Remarkable
Achievement of Man Who
Saved Garrison
HEROIC FIGHT WITH INDIANS


every comfort is provided by CRATE
full nation for its aging defenders, is
Sergeant George II. Eldridge, whose
especially meritorious service entities
him to be classed among the most
notable of that class of heroes who
served simply in the ranks of theil
country's soldiery in times of peril.
Among the most valued of his lares
and penates, Sergeant Eldridge num-
bers two medals of honor awarded
him by acts of congress. AS these
medals are bestowed only for CON
tinuous gallantry in action, for distin.
flushed bravery, or for other signal
deeds of heroism the fortunate wear
ers of such tributes may pardonably
exult in pride of possession.
In the case of Sergeant Eldridge
however, exultation, If there be any
is confined to his own breast "Given
the same opportunity" he said "any
other soldier would have done the
same; and, too, without thought OF
reward other than the proud con-
sciousness of having performed his
duty"
In the civil war Eldridge served in
the Iron brigade, Army of the Po-
tomac, from 1862 until the termina-
ton of hostilities. He then abandoned
the sword for the plowshare, but
peaceful pursuits soon palled on him
and in 1867 he enlisted in troop c, Sixth
United States cavalry, in which he
served continuously for nearly f1f-
teen years The command to which
he was attached was assigned to post
duty on the frontier, and it was amid
exciting scenes incidental to the sup
preston of Indian uprisings that Ed
ridge earned the signal honors be-
slowed upon him by congress
"How did I win the medal?" re-
peated the big sergeant well, let's
see," and he paused to mentally ar
range the reminiscence.
"I was attached to that portion of
the Sixth cavalry assigned to duty at
Fort Richardson, situated in the
northern part of Texas, and where, a
few miles north of the post, runs the
Red river. which separates Texas on
the northwest from Indian territory.
The post was commanded by General
James Oakes.
HEADING OFF CIVILIZATION
"At the time of which I am speak
ing, the southern part of Indian ter
ritory abounded with various tribes
of mischievous Indians who, bent on
heading off the march of civiliza-
ton. ran in on the settlers as often
as they found a point unguarded
The Chickasaws, Creeks, Osages
Cherokees and Pottawatomies occu-
pied the northern part of the terri
tory, while on the southern part, CON
tiguous to Texas, and on the norm run
border of the Red river, abounded the
more unfriendly Apaches, the Kiowas
and the Comanches.
"At this time the two latter were
particularly active and daring. Just
few months before we had admin
istered to these two tribes, in force,
q, severe drubbing; had driven them
over the Red to their own territory,
and were feeling quite comfortable in
the enjoyment of the following quiet
spell.
lone morning, just as the flag went
I'm at reveille, a dust-covered scout
came in with the news that a bunch
of red devils Lad attacked a mail
pack train and captured the mail and
mules but that the messenger. drivers
and escort had escaped and were
coming in just behind him.
"Cantain C. B. Mcclellan, with a
detachment of forty troopers of the
Sixth. two ub-officers and contract
doctor, were Immediately fitted out
with three days rations, under or
ders to capture or drive the miscreants
over the Red river, and in an hour
the chase began. The trail, which led
toward the Wichita river, tributary
of the Red, was soon found, and upon
close examination it proved to be
small party, probably not over a doz-
en-. We forded the south fork of the
Wichita river and by night reached
the north fork, which we found, owing
to floods, was impossible, and because
of the darkness we could find no sign
of the trail, so made our camp for
the night. At daybreak we skirted
the fork in search Of a fording place.
"I had been detailed on special duty
in charge of Tonkaway Indian trail
ers. I took one of these. Jim Dozier,
and scouting about mile in advance
of the command, we in few hours
came upon the trail of our Indians
at the point where they crossed. Leav-
ing Dozfer to await the coming of
CAPTAIN Mcclellan, I forded the fork,
and squirting confidently up the divide
on the other side of the river, was
nearing n clump of chaparral when
two painted warriors sprang from the
cover, thirty yards in front of me.
"I had just been looking to see if
nv. pistols were in good condition,
and was just returning the second one
to its holster and before either could
draw bead on me my first shot took
one square in the head and his COM
panion bounded forward with myself
in pursuit Suddenly my horse stop
ped with an abruptness that nearly
cost me my seat in the saddle. We
stood on the brink of deep raVine,
and as I looked down my head fairly
spun with the view that confronted
me.
MANY PAINTED WARRIORS
'erhere were hundreds of Co
manches and Kiowas-they seemed
thousands to my bewildered senses
armed to the teeth; the midday sun
cleaning on their bare shoulders and
war paint enhanced their savage ap-
pearance / stood an instant appalled,
"This was, then, their old trick A
small marauding party sent out as a
decoy for the entrapping of the pur-
suing troops. Just as I had gathered
my senses and decided to get back to
warn the command, blood-curdling
whoop warned me that I was dis
covered and a shot from one of the
band. already advancing, took my
horse in the chest. Maddened with
pain, the animal reared, almost throw
ing me, then wheeling. plunged down
the slope toward the river securing
distance in time to escape a second
volley as the Indians reached the top
of the rise. They spread out in all
directions to round me up, but my
good horse held his own until we
reached the fork, which Mcclellan and
his command had Just forded, when il
fell dead On McClellan's charge the
party retreated but not for long The