Benjamin F. Hardaway

Rescued wounded soldiers under fire at El Caney

Benjamin Franklin Hardaway earned the Medal of Honor for helping bring wounded soldiers out of danger at El Caney, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War. On 1 July 1898, he served as a first lieutenant in Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry.

Born in Kentucky on 17 July 1865, Hardaway was accredited to Fort Totten, North Dakota. During the fighting at El Caney, he assisted in rescuing men lying ahead of the American lines while exposed to heavy enemy fire. His official citation recognizes that work directly.

Official Medal of Honor citation

“Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.”

Hardaway received his Medal of Honor on 21 June 1899. He continued his Army career and attained the rank of colonel. He died on 9 July 1955 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 2, grave 1044-1. His award preserves the record of an officer who accepted the danger of the exposed battlefield to help wounded soldiers.