Christopher Freemeyer

He showed his gallantry during the Sioux campaign in Montana

Christopher Freemeyer, a native of Bavaria who later entered U.S. Army service in New York, served as a private in Company D, 5th U.S. Infantry. His Medal of Honor recognized gallantry during a series of actions in the Montana Territory, from 21 October 1876 through 8 January 1877. The official citation summarizes his conduct in three words: “Gallantry in action.” It does not identify one specific engagement or describe the act itself.

The award came during the Army’s campaign against the Sioux in the northern plains. Freemeyer was among a group of soldiers decorated for service in the campaign, but the available recipient records do not provide a detailed personal narrative or explain precisely what he did to distinguish himself. His service entry identifies Company D and the 5th Infantry, while the citation’s broad date range places his recognized gallantry across the campaign period rather than at a single dated encounter.

Freemeyer received the Medal of Honor on 18 July 1877 at a parade at the cantonment near the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers in Montana Territory. General William T. Sherman presented the medal. After his military service, Freemeyer’s life ended in 1894. He died on 14 October and was buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. The recipient record lists his birthplace as Bavaria, Germany, and his accreditation as New York, New York.

Medal of Honor citation

Gallantry in action.

Sources 1. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Christopher Freemeyer,” recipient profile. 2. Military Times. “Christopher Freemeyer,” Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor.