Background
John H. Foley was born in Cork, Ireland in 1839.
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He was one of four men received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in leading an attack against the Sioux Indians near Loupe Fork of the Platte River in Nebraska on April 26, 1872. He later emigrated to the United States and enlisted in the United States. Army in Boston, Massachusetts. Joining Company Bachelor of the 3rd United States. Cavalry, he served on frontier duty in Nebraska during the early 1870s and eventually reached the rank of sergeant.
On April 23, 1872, Foley was among the cavalry troopers under Captain Charles Meinhold who left Fort McPherson to pursue a band of hostile Miniconjou Sioux.
Upon reaching the South Loup River (near present-day Stapleton, Nebraska) the following day, Meinhold ordered Foley and civilian scout William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody to take 10 men and search the south bend of the river while the main force crossed to the north side. Cody managed to take Foley and his men within 50 yards of the Sioux camp, located near Loupe Fork of the Platte River, before their presence was discovered.
In the ensuing shootout, Cody killed one Indian while another two were killed by Foley"s mentor Six other Sioux, who were hunting away from the camp, heard the gunfire and were able to escape.
His commanding officer, Captain Meinhold, noted in his report that Foley had "charged into the Indian camp without knowing how many enemies he might encounter".
Foley died in Benicia, California on November 18, 1874, at the age of 35. He was interred at the Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
November 18, 1874 (aged 35) -
Nationality
Irish
Awards
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Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebr., 26 April 1872. Entered service at:------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 22 May 1872. Citation: Gallantry in action.Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebr., 26 April 1872. Entered service at:------. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 22 May 1872. Citation: Gallantry in action.