Brent Woods

Saved soldiers and civilians in a New Mexico detachment

Brent Woods received the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of fellow soldiers and civilians during U.S. Army operations in New Mexico. His recognized action took place on 19 August 1881, while he served as a sergeant in Company B, 9th U.S. Cavalry.

Born in Pulaski County, Kentucky, in 1850, Woods was accredited to Louisville, Kentucky, for his Medal of Honor service. His official citation is brief, identifying the lives he saved without supplying a detailed account of the engagement.

Official Medal of Honor citation

“Saved the lives of his comrades and citizens of the detachment.”

Woods received the Medal of Honor on 12 July 1894, almost thirteen years after the action. He died on 31 March 1906 and was buried in Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky, Section A, grave 930. His award preserves the record of a 9th Cavalry sergeant whose conduct protected both the soldiers and civilians accompanying his detachment.