Lloyd Milton Brett

He seized the enemy horse herd and blocked its escape route.

Lloyd Milton Brett was born near Dead River, Maine, on 22 February 1856. He entered West Point in 1875, graduated in 1879 and received a commission in the 2nd Cavalry. His first appointments took him to Montana during the army's campaigns against the Plains peoples.

On 1 April 1880 at O'Fallon's Creek, he led a small mounted party against a Sioux encampment. He moved to seize the horse herd and prevent the opposing group escaping on horseback. His exposed leadership during the action later brought the Medal of Honor, issued in February 1895.

Brett continued serving at western posts and in Arizona. He married Emma Wallace in 1887, and they had a daughter. During the war with Spain he undertook regimental and mustering duties before joining the 31st Volunteer Infantry in 1899. He served in the Philippines until 1901 and then with the 2nd Cavalry in occupied Cuba.

From 1903 to 1908 he was adjutant-general of the District of Columbia militia. Further Philippine service followed before he became acting superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in 1910, when the army still administered the park. He remained there until 1916 and subsequently served on the Mexican border.

Promoted brigadier-general during the First World War, Brett commanded the 160th Infantry Brigade of the 80th Division. He took it to France in 1918 and led it during the St Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne operations. His leadership in the final offensives brought the Army Distinguished Service Medal and French honours.

He retired in 1920 but returned to work with the District of Columbia militia in 1923. He died in Washington on 23 September 1927 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His career extended from frontier cavalry through colonial campaigns and park administration to brigade command in France.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Fearless exposure and dashing bravery in cutting off the Indians' pony herd, thereby greatly crippling the hostiles.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society, official recipient citation.