Marcus Morton Robbins

Waded behind an entrenched enemy, then broke its resistance.

Marcus Morton Robbins was born at Elba, Wisconsin, on 25 July 1851. He entered the United States Army and served in Company H, 6th Cavalry, during the campaigns on the Great Plains. His service brought him to western Kansas during the final stages of the Red River War.

On 23 April 1875, at Sappa Creek, Cheyenne defenders occupied positions that made effective use of the creek banks and natural pits. Their cover hindered the main Army force. Robbins and five other soldiers moved up the creek through mud and water, working their way into a position behind the defenders. Their attack from the rear broke the resistance facing the main column. The Medal of Honor citation recognizes both the difficult approach and the tactical effect of the small party's action.

Robbins received the Medal of Honor on 16 November 1876. Other members of the flanking party were also recognized. He later attained the rank of sergeant, continuing a military career beyond the action for which his name is remembered.

Robbins died on 21 June 1924 and was buried in Pittsfield Cemetery, Massachusetts, in the Pontoosuc Hill section. His grave commemorates his Army service and Medal of Honor.

Official award citation

With five other men he waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This suprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.