Rudolph von Medem

His cavalry courage won the Medal of Honor on Arizona lands.

Rudolph von Medem was born in Prussia around 1846 and entered the United States Army from New York. He served as a sergeant in Company A, 5th United States Cavalry, during the Apache campaigns in Arizona Territory.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society records his award action under 1872 and preserves the brief citation for gallantry in actions and campaigns. A contemporary Army publication dates the recognized actions to 1872 and 1873, during the winter campaign against the Western Apaches. The campaigns took small cavalry detachments through difficult Arizona country.

His Medal of Honor was awarded on 12 April 1875 while he was alive. Sources also record the spelling von Meden. He was discharged at Camp Verde, Arizona, in October 1873. His later civilian life, date of death and burial have not been securely established.

Medal of Honor citation

“Gallantry in actions and campaigns.”