Oscar Fitzalan Long

Taking command under fire at Bear Paw Mountain

Oscar Fitzalan Long was born on 16 June 1852 in Utica, New York. He served as a second lieutenant with the 5th United States Infantry.

On 30 September 1877 at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana, Long was sent to order a cavalry troop forward. Finding both of its officers dead, he voluntarily took command and advanced the troop to its required position under heavy fire. He received the Medal of Honor on 22 March 1895.

Long later attained the rank of brigadier general. He died on 23 December 1928 in Piedmont, California, and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

Medal of Honor citation

Having been directed to order a troop of cavalry to advance, and finding both its officers killed, he voluntarily assumed command, and under a heavy fire from the Indians advanced the troop to its proper position.