Mosheim Feaster

Mosheim Feaster earned the Medal of Honor for an action at Wounded Knee Creek on 29 December 1890, an event remembered as the Wounded Knee massacre. Serving as a private in Troop E, 7th U.S. Cavalry, he voluntarily moved into an exposed position during fighting near a ravine. Contemporary affidavits described his conduct under fire. He received the Medal of Honor on 23 June 1891. The wider event involved the killing of Lakota men, women and children, including civilians.

Born in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, Feaster worked as a carpenter before enlisting in the United States Army at Cleveland on 23 October 1889. His career extended through the American Indian Wars, Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War, with breaks between enlistments. After leaving the 7th Cavalry in January 1893, he re-enlisted in the 10th Infantry that October and served in Companies E and G. With Company G, he took part in the Santiago campaign in Cuba. His advance beyond the general line during the fighting of 1 July 1898 earned a gallantry citation subsequently associated with the Silver Star.

After re-enlisting in December 1898, Feaster served with Companies E and H, 3rd Infantry, spending nearly three years in the Philippines and attaining First Sergeant. Later Regular Army enlistments included the 4th and 15th Infantry and recruiting duty. He subsequently served with Company K, 8th Infantry, including a later posting in Manila, and retired as First Sergeant on 8 September 1914.

After retirement he settled in the San Francisco area, married Edelmira Diaz and raised a family. He worked as a transportation clerk at the Presidio and later as an Army pier superintendent. He died on 18 March 1950 in San Mateo, California, and was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno. His headstone identifies him as First Lieutenant, but Veterans Affairs records and military service research identify his final rank as First Sergeant.