James Ward (Medal of Honor, 1890)

James Ward (1854–1901) was a United States Army soldier who served during the American Indian Wars. He spent multiple enlistments in the military, eventually transferring back to the 7th Cavalry prior to the Pine Ridge Campaign in South Dakota, which was launched to suppress followers of the Ghost Dance.

On December 29, 1890, during operations to disarm a Lakota prisoner camp near Wounded Knee Creek, a violent confrontation erupted. Ward, tasked with confiscating weapons, was knocked to the ground and stabbed multiple times with a knife during the opening moments of the engagement. Despite his severe wounds, he survived the initial melee and continued to participate in the action.

For his actions during the conflict, Ward was one of 20 soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor. His official citation recognized his fortitude for continuing to fight after being severely wounded.