Corporal John Alexander Sutherland, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on August 22, 1868 vicinity of the Black Mountains, Arizona during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company L, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Sutherland was 19 years old.
11 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on July 24, 1869.
Sutherland was born on February 19, 1849 in Harrodsburg, Monroe County, Indiana. His Medal of Honor is credited to Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Sutherland died on December 2, 1891 in El Reno, Oklahoma, at the age of 42. He is buried at El Reno Cemetery in El Reno, Oklahoma.
Sutherland is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 75 credited to Indiana.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- February 19, 1849Born in Harrodsburg, Monroe County, Indiana
- August 22, 1868Act of valor — Vicinity of the Black Mountains, ArizonaAge 19. Company L, 8th U.S. Cavalry
- July 24, 1869Medal of Honor presented
- December 2, 1891Died in El Reno, OklahomaAge 42.
- Resting placeEl Reno CemeteryEl Reno, Oklahoma
