James Sumner (soldier)

James Sumner was an English immigrant who enlisted in the United States Army and served as a cavalryman during the Apache Wars of southeastern Arizona Territory. On October 16, 1869, Sumner joined a 61-man patrol consisting of members from the 1st Cavalry and 8th Cavalry under the command of Captain Reuben F. Bernard. The patrol was dispatched to track and pursue a group of Chiricahua Apache warriors led by Chief Cochise following a deadly ambush near Dragoon Springs.

On October 20, 1869, the troopers located the Apache force positioned atop a steep, rocky mesa flanked by deep canyons. Under heavy fire, Sumner and his fellow troopers dismounted and charged up the steep side of the mesa. They successfully reached a low ledge just 30 yards from the Apache position, where they were pinned down by intense bow and gun fire. Despite their efforts, the hostile position proved impregnable, forcing Captain Bernard to order a tactical withdrawal to protect the patrol's horses and men.

For his bravery during the charge, Sumner was recommended for the United States military's highest decoration. His Medal of Honor was officially awarded on February 14, 1870, with a citation recognizing his gallantry in action. Sumner's service remains a notable example of the frontier cavalry engagements during the post-Civil War Indian Wars.