John B. Babcock

John Breckinridge Babcock (February 7, 1843 or 1847 – April 26, 1909) was a US Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars.

Life and military career
Babcock was born in New Orleans, a great-great-grandson of Joshua Babcock. He joined the 37th New York Volunteer Infantry as a sergeant in 1862. After being commissioned a second lieutenant, he fought in several battles that took place in Louisiana, and reached the rank of major of volunteers in the 62nd New York Volunteer Infantry by the end of the war.

He reverted to the rank of first lieutenant after the war and remained in the army, fighting against the Kiowa and the Cheyenne during the Indian Wars. Babcock finished his career with the rank of brigadier general, and died from Bright's disease on board the SS Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm, while traveling from Bremen to New York City.

Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 5th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Spring Creek, Nebr., May 16, 1869. Entered service at: Stonington, Conn. Birth: New Orleans, La. Date of issue: September 18, 1897.

While serving with a scouting column, this officer's troop was attacked by a vastly superior force of Indians. Advancing to high ground, he dismounted his men, remaining mounted himself to encourage them, and there fought the Indians until relieved, his horse being wounded.
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