John Green (US Army officer)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Green
November 20, 1825 - November 22, 1908
Place of birth	Germany
Place of death	Boise, Idaho
Allegiance	U.S. Army
Years of service	1846-1889
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Unit	"Mounted Rifles", Cavalry
Commands	First U. S. Cavalry Regiment
Battles/wars	Mexican-American War Battle of Antietam First Battle of the Stronghold
Awards	Medal of Honor

Lieutenant Colonel John Green (20 November 1825- 22 November 1908) was a United States cavalry officer, who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership at the First Battle of the Stronghold during the Modoc War. Here, his men displayed a reluctance to fight Modoc warriors, who had been inflicting casualties on their unit. Green left cover, and, standing in full view of the Modoc warriors, proceeded to pace in front of his men, slapping his gloves in his palm for emphasis. Although exposed to enemy fire, Green survived, although he was injured, and remained in command. He earlier fought in the Mexican-American War as a sergeant.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

John Green

Rank and Organization: Major, 1st U.S. Cavalry. Place and Date: At the Lava Beds, Calif., 17 January 1873. Entered Service At: Ohio. Birth: Germany. Date of Issue: 18 November 1897.

Citation: "In order to reassure his command, this officer, in the most fearless manner and exposed to very great danger, walked in front of the line; the command, thus encouraged, advanced over the lava upon the Indians who were concealed among the rocks."