Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private David W. Harris received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1876 at Little Big Horn River, Montana during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry. Harris was about 25 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.
Harris was born in 1851 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. His Medal of Honor is credited to Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. Harris died on July 10, 1907 in Washington, District of Columbia, at the age of about 56. He is buried at Potter's Field/ no information on place of burial.
Harris is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Brought water to the wounded, at great danger to his life, under a most galling fire from the enemy.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1851Born in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
- June 25, 1876Act of valor — Little Big Horn River, MontanaAge about 25. Company A, 7th U.S. Cavalry
- October 5, 1878Medal of Honor presented
- July 10, 1907Died in Washington, District of ColumbiaAge about 56.
- Resting placePotter's Field/ no information on place of burial
