Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, First Sergeant Joseph Robinson received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 17, 1876 at Rosebud River, Montana during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company D, 3d U.S. Cavalry. Robinson was 30 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on January 23, 1880, 3 years after the action.
Robinson was born on October 12, 1845 in Montreal, Canada — one of 60 recipients born in Canada. His Medal of Honor is credited to Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Robinson died on December 18, 1917 in Kansas, at the age of 72. He is buried at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Robinson is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 265 credited to Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Discharged his duties while in charge of the skirmish line under fire with judgment and great coolness and brought up the lead horses at a critical moment.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- October 12, 1845Born in Montreal, Canada
- June 17, 1876Act of valor — Rosebud River, MontanaAge 30. Company D, 3d U.S. Cavalry
- January 23, 1880Medal of Honor presented
- December 18, 1917Died in KansasAge 72.
- Resting placeFort Leavenworth National CemeteryFort Leavenworth, Kansas
