Bernhard Jetter

Bernhard Jetter (1862 – August 23, 1927) was a German-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars. He was one of twenty-four men received the Medal of Honor for gallantry against the Sioux at the Battle of Wounded Knee in South Dakota on December 29, 1890.

Biography
Bernhard Jetter was born in Wurttemberg, Germany in 1862. He later emigrated to New York City, New York where he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Jetter became a member of the 7th US Cavalry and eventually reached the rank of sergeant. Jetter was among the cavalry troops sent to arrest Chief Big Foot and disarm his Sioux followers and, on the morning of December 29, 1890, surrounded their camp on the banks of Wounded Knee Creek. In the ensuing battle of Wounded Knee, Jetter and several other soldiers took part in search-and-destroy missions along White Clay Creek and were cited for "distinguished bravery" in skirmishes against the Sioux. Jetter himself was witnessed "killing an Indian who was in the act of killing a wounded man" in his unit. He and twenty-four other members of his regiment were received the Medal of Honor on April 24, 1891. Jetter returned to Brooklyn after leaving military service and died in Brooklyn on August 23, 1927, at the age of 65. He was interred at Cypress Hills National Cemetery. His wife Rose died 31 years later and was buried next to him.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company K, 7th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Sioux campaign, December 1890. Entered service at: --. Birth: Germany. Date of issue: 24 April 1891.

Citation:

Distinguished bravery.