Bernard Taylor

He brought a wounded officer to safety through hostile fire.

Bernard Taylor was born in St. Louis, Missouri, around 1844. He entered the United States Army from Washington, D.C., and served in Company A, 5th U.S. Cavalry. He rose to sergeant during service in Arizona Territory.

On 1 November 1874, near Sunset Pass, Taylor accompanied Lieutenant Charles King and a small scouting party into mountainous country. When the party came under fire, King was wounded and could not withdraw unaided. Taylor helped carry him back toward the cavalry encampment while the fighting continued. His rescue earned the Medal of Honor.

The medal was issued on 12 April 1875. Taylor died two days later, on 14 April, at about thirty-one years old. He was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery, where his grave identifies his service in Company A of the 5th Cavalry.

Medal of Honor citation

Bravery in rescuing Lt. Charles King, 5th U.S. Cavalry, from Indians. Official citation: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/bernard-taylor