Otto Voit

Exposed on a hilltop, four riflemen covered a run for water.

Otto Emil Voit stood in an exposed position above the Little Bighorn River while fellow cavalrymen sought water for the wounded. Serving as a saddler in Company H, 7th United States Cavalry, he joined George Geiger, Charles Windolph and Henry Mechlin in maintaining rifle fire for more than twenty minutes. Their covering fire diverted attention from the water carriers during the battle in June 1876.

Born in Baden, Germany, on 5 February 1845, Voit emigrated to the United States and entered Army service from Louisville, Kentucky. His career included service in the 7th Cavalry during the frontier campaigns. His Medal of Honor was issued on 5 October 1878.

He continued serving long after the battle and ultimately retired as a saddler sergeant. He settled in Louisville, where he was buried in St. Stephen's Cemetery.