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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Moses Orr — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Service Era: American Indian Wars
Medals Recorded: 2

Moses Orr

Private, U.S. Army

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American Indian Wars

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Indian Campaign Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

A cavalry private won honours in Arizona's rugged campaigns.

Private Moses Orr served with Company A, 1st United States Cavalry, during campaigns against Apache forces in Arizona Territory. His Medal of Honor recognised gallant conduct in the 1872 operations, which specialist accounts place within the winter campaign of 1872-1873. The short citation does not identify a single isolated exploit.

Orr was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and entered American military service through Philadelphia. As a cavalry private he belonged to the mounted troops operating in Arizona. His Medal of Honor was issued on 12 April 1875.

After leaving the Army in 1874, Orr joined the Philadelphia Police Department. His later life ended violently: following dismissal from the police, he killed his wife Fannie in 1897 and died by suicide in custody on 10 May. He was buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Official Medal of Honor citation Gallant conduct in campaigns and engagements with Apaches.

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