George Ritter Burnett

He rode through hostile fire to rescue a dismounted soldier.

George Ritter Burnett was born on April 21, 1858, in Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania. He served as a second lieutenant in the 9th U.S. Cavalry during the Army's western campaigns.

On August 16, 1881, in the Cuchillo Negro Mountains of New Mexico Territory, a dismounted soldier was in danger of being cut off. Burnett rode alone through heavy fire to reach him and escorted him to safety. His horse was shot twice during the rescue.

Burnett received the Medal of Honor on July 23, 1897. He attained first lieutenant in the Army. He died on November 1, 1908, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His award commemorates a mounted rescue undertaken despite sustained enemy fire.

Medal of Honor Citation

Saved the life of a dismounted soldier, who was in imminent danger of being cut off, by alone galloping quickly to his assistance under heavy fire and escorting him to a place of safety, his horse being twice shot in this action.