Background
Bessey was born in Reading, Massachusetts in 1848.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Charles Bessey
Edit ProfileCareer
By January 13, 1877, he was serving as a corporal in Company A of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment in the midst of the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877. On that day, Bessey and three privates were repairing a telegraph line between Forts Laramie and Fetterman in eastern Wyoming Territory when they learned that Native Americans had attacked three herders close by, near Elkhorn Creek. Bessey led his small group against the much larger Native American force and successfully rescued the herders, although he and two of his men were wounded in the process.
Bessey was later promoted to sergeant and became Chief Musician of his regiment.
He retired in 1899 and died ten years later of kidney failure, probably caused by the wound he received near Elkhorn Creek. Aged 60 or 61 at his death, he was buried in Biloxi City Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi.
A hurricane destroyed the house and the medal was thought to be lost, but was eventually found in the wreckage. The family then donated the medal to the Third Cavalry Museum at Fort Hood, Texas.
Achievements
-
Born
-
Died
1909 (aged 61) -
Resting place
Place of burial -
Nationality
United States
Awards
-
Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor citation Bessey's official Medal of Honor citation reads: While scouting with 4 men and attacked in ambush by 14 hostile Indians, held his ground, 2 of his men being wounded, and kept up the fight until himself wounded in the side, and then went to the assistance of his wounded comrades.Medal of Honor citation Bessey's official Medal of Honor citation reads: While scouting with 4 men and attacked in ambush by 14 hostile Indians, held his ground, 2 of his men being wounded, and kept up the fight until himself wounded in the side, and then went to the assistance of his wounded comrades.