Matthias W. Day

Carried wounded soldier from enemy lines despite all orders.

Matthias Walter Day was born at Mansfield, Ohio, on 8 August 1853. He entered West Point in 1873 and graduated in 1877. Initially commissioned into the 10th Cavalry, he transferred to the 9th Cavalry, one of the African American regiments whose soldiers became known as Buffalo Soldiers. His early appointments took him to Texas and New Mexico.

On 18 September 1879, during fighting with Apache forces at Las Animas Canyon, Day's command received orders to withdraw. A wounded trooper remained exposed on the rocky ground. Day went back despite the danger, lifted the man onto his back and carried him down the trail under fire. His Medal of Honor, issued in 1890, recognized this rescue after he had been ordered to retreat.

He continued campaigning on the frontier, including operations against Geronimo's forces in Mexico in 1885. He also commanded Apache scouts and developed a reputation for marksmanship. Between field assignments he taught military science at Mount Union College and undertook recruiting duties.

During the war with Spain in 1898, Day commanded the 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry as a lieutenant colonel of volunteers. The regiment trained in the United States and reached Florida, but transport shortages prevented it from taking part in the Cuban fighting. He subsequently served in the Philippines, including provincial duties on Luzon and work in Davao. A later tour took him to Mindanao and operations near Lake Lanao.

His career also included command at Santa Clara during the second American occupation of Cuba. Promoted colonel in 1911, he held cavalry and post commands before retiring at his own request in February 1912 after more than thirty years of service. He lived in California during retirement and died in Los Angeles on 12 September 1927. He was buried in San Francisco National Cemetery.

Official citation:

Advanced alone into the enemy’s lines and carried off a wounded soldier of his command under a hot fire and after he had been ordered to retreat.