John H. Foley

A cavalry sergeant led a charge beside the Platte River fork

John H. Foley was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1839. He entered the United States Army through Boston and served as a sergeant in Company B, 3 rd U.S. Cavalry.

On 26 April 1872, Foley's detachment fought near the Loupe Fork of the Platte River in Nebraska. Guided by civilian scout William F. Cody, the soldiers approached a Sioux camp. Foley led a charge before he could determine the strength of the opposing force. Captain Charles Meinhold singled out his conduct in the report of the engagement.

Foley received the Medal of Honor on 22 May 1872. He died at Benicia Barracks, California, on 18 November 1874. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society records his burial in the post cemetery as an unknown.

Medal of Honor citation

“Gallantry in action.”

Source: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-h-foley