George Jordan (Medal of Honor)

Defending cavalry positions in New Mexico

George Jordan was born in Williamson County, Tennessee, in 1847. He served as a sergeant in Company K, 9th U.S. Cavalry, during the Army's western campaigns.

His Medal of Honor citation recognized two defensive actions in New Mexico Territory. At Fort Tularosa, he commanded 25 soldiers who repulsed a larger attacking force. At Carrizo Canyon on August 12, 1881, he held the exposed right flank of a 19-man detachment. His resistance helped prevent the opposing force from surrounding the command.

Jordan received the Medal of Honor on May 7, 1890. He died on October 24, 1904, and is buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. His award commemorates leadership and steadfast defense while facing superior numbers.

Medal of Honor Citation

While commanding a detachment of 25 men at Fort Tularosa, N. Mex., repulsed a force of more than 100 Indians. At Carrizo Canyon, N. Mex., while commanding the right of a detachment of 19 men, 12 August 1881, he stubbornly held his ground in an extremely exposed position and gallantly forced back a much superior number of the enemy, preventing them from surrounding the command.