Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Bugler George Gates received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 4, 1869 at Picacho Mountain, Arizona Territory during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with 8th U.S. Cavalry. Gates was 24 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on March 3, 1870. He later rose to the rank of Blacksmith.
Gates was born on July 30, 1844 in Delaware County, Ohio. His Medal of Honor is credited to Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. Gates died on March 18, 1915 in Quincy, Illinois, at the age of 70. He is buried at Illinois Veteran Home Sunset Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
Gates is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 55 credited to Iowa.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Killed an Indian warrior and captured his arms.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- July 30, 1844Born in Delaware County, Ohio
- June 4, 1869Act of valor — Picacho Mountain, Arizona TerritoryAge 24. 8th U.S. Cavalry
- March 3, 1870Medal of Honor presented
- March 18, 1915Died in Quincy, IllinoisAge 70.
- Resting placeIllinois Veteran Home Sunset CemeteryQuincy, Illinois