Blacksmith Henry W.b Mechlin was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1876 in Little Big Horn, Montana during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry. Mechlin was 24 years old.
22 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 29, 1878, 2 years after the action.
Mechlin was born on October 14, 1851 in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Mechlin died on April 10, 1926 in Washington, District of Columbia, at the age of 74. He is buried at Soldier's Home National Cemetery in Washington, District of Columbia. Records also list him as Mechling, Henry W.B..
Mechlin is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
With three comrades during the entire engagement courageously held a position that secured water for the command.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- October 14, 1851Born in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
- June 25, 1876Act of valor — Little Big Horn, MontanaAge 24. Company H, 7th U.S. Cavalry
- August 29, 1878Medal of Honor presented
- April 10, 1926Died in Washington, District of ColumbiaAge 74.
- Resting placeSoldier's Home National CemeteryWashington, District of Columbia
