Y. B. Rowdy

He tracked an armed group and fought in the final encounter.

Y. B. Rowdy, also known as Yuma William or Bill Rowdy, was a Yavapai man from the Arizona region. He served as a sergeant in Company A of the United States Army's Indian Scouts. His work required the local knowledge, tracking ability and endurance that Army detachments depended upon during pursuit operations in the Southwest.

In March 1890 Rowdy accompanied a force pursuing an armed Apache band in the country around Cherry Creek. The scouts maintained the trail across difficult ground until the pursuers brought their opponents to bay on 7 March. Rowdy participated in the resulting encounter and was singled out for the persistence that had made the operation possible.

Lieutenant James Watson's report credited the scouts, particularly Rowdy, with enabling the pursuit to reach its conclusion. His Medal of Honor recognized bravery in that action. The award followed on 15 May 1890.

Rowdy remained associated with the Army's scout service in Arizona. He died at Bonita near Fort Grant on 29 March 1893 after a shooting during an altercation. He was originally buried in the post cemetery at Fort Grant. When that cemetery was closed, his remains were moved in 1907 to Santa Fe National Cemetery, New Mexico. His grave there identifies his sergeant's rank and Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor citation

“Bravery in action with Apache Indians.”