Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, he graduated from West Point in 1872 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Cavalry. During the Indian Wars Campaign, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in command of I Troop of the 6th Cavalry, US Army. In actions at Big Dry Gulch, Arizona, on July 17, 1882, 1st Lieutenant West's I Troop was crossing a canyon rim when they were surrounded on all sides by a hostile Apache force. 1st Lieutenant West rallied his command, restoring order and then led his men in the advance on the enemy's fortified positions along the canyon rim. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Remaining in the Army, he retired a Colonel in 1914 and died in New York City, at age 72.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, he graduated from West Point in 1872 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Cavalry. During the Indian Wars Campaign, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in command of I Troop of the 6th Cavalry, US Army. In actions at Big Dry Gulch, Arizona, on July 17, 1882, 1st Lieutenant West's I Troop was crossing a canyon rim when they were surrounded on all sides by a hostile Apache force. 1st Lieutenant West rallied his command, restoring order and then led his men in the advance on the enemy's fortified positions along the canyon rim. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Remaining in the Army, he retired a Colonel in 1914 and died in New York City, at age 72.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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