Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private Michael Himmelsback received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 17, 1870 in Little Blue, Nebraska during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company C, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Himmelsback was about 21 years old.
4 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on June 22, 1870.
Himmelsback was born in 1849 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Himmelsback died on January 5, 1881 in Fort Ellis, Montana, at the age of about 32. He is buried at Fort Missoula Post Cemetery in Missoula, Montana.
Himmelsback is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Gallantry in action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1849Born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- May 17, 1870Act of valor — Little Blue, NebraskaAge about 21. Company C, 2d U.S. Cavalry
- June 22, 1870Medal of Honor presented
- January 5, 1881Died in Fort Ellis, MontanaAge about 32.
- Resting placeFort Missoula Post CemeteryMissoula, Montana