b. 1839 Cork, Ireland. d. 18/11/1874 Benicia, California.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 26/04/1872 Platte River, Nebraska.
John H. Foley was born in Cork, Ireland in 1839. He later emigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army in Boston, Massachusetts. Joining Company B of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, he served on frontier duty in Nebraska during the early 1870s and eventually reached the rank of sergeant. On April 23, 1872, Foley was among the cavalry troopers under Captain Charles Meinhold who left Fort McPherson to pursue a band of hostile Miniconjou Sioux. Upon reaching the South Loup River (near present-day Stapleton, Nebraska) the following day, Meinhold ordered Foley and civilian scout William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody to take 10 men and search the south bend of the river while the main force crossed to the north side. Cody managed to take Foley and his men within 50 yards of the Sioux camp, located near Loupe Fork of the Platte River, before their presence was discovered. Foley then led a charge into the enemy camp followed by fellow Sergeant Leroy H. Vokes, Private William H. Strayer and William Cody. In the ensuing shootout, Cody killed one Indian while another two were killed by Foley’s men. Six other Sioux, who were hunting away from the camp, heard the gunfire and were able to escape. His commanding officer, Captain Meinhold, noted in his report that Foley had “charged into the Indian camp without knowing how many enemies he might encounter”. All four men, including Foley, were recommended for the Medal of Honor for “gallantry in action” and received the award a month later on 22 May 1872.
MOH CITATION:
Gallantry in action.
BURIAL LOCATION: BENICIA ARMY CEMETERY, BENICIA, CALIFORNIA.
PLOT: UNKNOWN SOLDIER.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.