Sergeant Benjamin C. Criswell, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 25, 1876 at Little Big Horn River, Montana during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry. Criswell was 27 years old.
22 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on October 5, 1878, 2 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
Criswell was born on February 9, 1849 in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia. His Medal of Honor is credited to Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. Criswell died on October 17, 1921 in Eldorado, Oklahoma, at the age of 72. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Eldorado, Oklahoma.
Criswell is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Rescued the body of Lt. Hodgson from within the enemy's lines; brought up ammunition and encouraged the men in the most exposed positions under heavy fire.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- February 9, 1849Born in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia
- June 25, 1876Act of valor — Little Big Horn River, MontanaAge 27. Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry
- October 5, 1878Medal of Honor presented
- October 17, 1921Died in Eldorado, OklahomaAge 72.
- Resting placePleasant Hill CemeteryEldorado, Oklahoma
