John Ward (American soldier)

Charging a larger force on a Pecos River patrol

John Ward was born in Arkansas in 1847. Also recorded as John Warrior, he served as a sergeant with the United States Army's Indian Scouts attached to the 24th U.S. Infantry.

On April 25, 1875, at the Pecos River in Texas, Ward and three other men charged a force of twenty-five opponents while on a scouting patrol. His Medal of Honor recognized that action. The medal was presented on May 28, 1875.

Ward died on May 24, 1911, in Brackettville, Texas, and is buried at the Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery there. His award preserves the record of his courage during the patrol.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

With three other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol.