Myles Moylan

Led a devastating cavalry charge against hostile positions.

Myles Moylan's Army career stretched from the Civil War to the Indian Campaigns, and his Medal of Honor came after he had already spent many years in cavalry service.

CMOHS archival research establishes that Moylan was born in Ireland, although official Army records sometimes listed Amesbury, Massachusetts, because that was the birthplace he gave on later enlistment paperwork. He entered the Regular Army before the Civil War and served through major Civil War cavalry operations, including service in the 2d U.S. Cavalry, 5th U.S. Cavalry, and later the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry. After the war he returned to Regular Army service and became an officer of the 7th U.S. Cavalry.

On September 30, 1877, at Bear Paw Mountain in Montana, Captain Moylan led his command against the Nez Perce and continued until he was severely wounded. He later reached the rank of major.

Medal of Honor Citation: Gallantly led his command in action against Nez Perce Indians until he was severely wounded.

Moylan received the Medal of Honor in 1894. He died in San Diego on December 11, 1909, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery there.