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Soldiers Home National Cemetery
  K-6991  

Born:  1838 at Manchester, England

Entered Service in the US Army from Albany, NY

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For heroism September 09 - 11, 1874 at Upper Washita River, TX

On the morning of September 9, 1874, a supply train with a small cavalry escort, began the long trek from their encampment to General Nelson Miles expedition force camped at Battle Creek, which force had been in the field and was in desperate need of re-supply. The supply train was attacked by a large Indian war party as it emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River. Though vastly outnumbered, the cavalry fought fiercely as the train continued onward in what became a daylong fight during which six soldiers earned the Medal of Honor. Corporal John James was one of seven additional soldiers cited for "Gallantry in action" on the first day, and the two following days. On the second day, though reinforced by a battalion from the Eighth Cavalry, the "Lymon Train" was subjected to continuous fire and two major attacks by waves of Indians numbering more than 400. During the day temperatures rose above 100 degrees and water began running out. Efforts to reach a watering hole met with immediate fire from Indian forces barricaded there. Firing continued on September 11, when water finally ran out. Still surrounded, the Lyman Train held out for three more days when relief arrived on September 14.