Private Albert Knaak, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on August 13, 1868 vicinity of the Black Mountains, Arizona during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Knaak was about 28 years old.
30 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on July 24, 1869. He later rose to the rank of Ordnance Sergeant.
Knaak was born in 1840 in Luxenburg, Switzerland — one of 6 recipients born in Switzerland. His Medal of Honor is credited to Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. Knaak died on April 7, 1897, at the age of about 57. He is buried at Fort Meade National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Knaak is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1840Born in Luxenburg, Switzerland
- August 13, 1868Act of valor — Vicinity of the Black Mountains, ArizonaAge about 28. Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry
- July 24, 1869Medal of Honor presented
- April 7, 1897DiedAge about 57.
- Resting placeFort Meade National CemeterySturgis, South Dakota
