Corporal Edward Clay Sharpless was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 9, 1874 at Upper Washita River, Texas during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry. Sharpless was 21 years old.
11 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on April 23, 1875.
Sharpless was born on August 10, 1853 in Marion County, Ohio. His Medal of Honor is credited to Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Sharpless died on January 12, 1934 in Mountainair, New Mexico, at the age of 80. He is buried at Mountainair Cemetery in Mountainair, New Mexico.
Sharpless is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he (and a comrade) fought throughout the day.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- August 10, 1853Born in Marion County, Ohio
- September 9, 1874Act of valor — Upper Washita River, TexasAge 21. Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry
- April 23, 1875Medal of Honor presented
- January 12, 1934Died in Mountainair, New MexicoAge 80.
- Resting placeMountainair CemeteryMountainair, New Mexico
