b. 07/06/1875 Dunningham, California. d. 13/12/1966 Ashland, Oregon.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/05/1899 near San Isidro, Luzon, Philippines.
Frank C High MOH
High was born in Yolo County, California, where his family owned a ranch. He enlisted in the Army from Picard, California, and later arrived in Jacksonville, Oregon, from where he joined the 2nd Oregon Volunteers. During the Philippine–American War, he was a member of Young’s Scouts. On May 16, 1899, Filipino fighters set fire to an important bridge near San Isidro. The river could not be forded, so High and other scouts rushed across the burning bridge, despite intense enemy fire, and engaged the entrenched Filipino forces. For these actions, High was awarded the Medal of Honor.
After returning home, High settled in Ashland, Oregon, where he lived until his death at age 91. He is buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park in nearby Medford. High Street in Ashland is named in his honor.
MOH CITATION:
With 21 other scouts charged across a burning bridge, under heavy fire, and completely routed 600 of the enemy who were entrenched in a strongly fortified position.
BURIAL LOCATION: MEMORY GARDENS CEMETERY, MEDFORD, OREGON.
GARDEN OF MEMORY, LOT 176, GRAVE 4.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: OREGON NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY, ASHLAND, OREGON.
