b. 1843 Cincinnati, Ohio. d. 23/01/1904 Dayton, Ohio.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 25/06/1876 Little Big Horn, Montana.
Born in Cincinnati in 1843, he enlisted, June 15, 1861, with the 47th Ohio Infantry, Company A, in Cincinnati. Captured outside of Atlanta, he was imprisoned in the notorious Andersonville Prison Camp for two months and four days. Geiger was discharged August 11, 1865 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He reenlisted with Troop M, of the 7th U.S. Cavalry, November 29, 1867 in St. Louis, Missouri. Geiger completed his enlistment and was discharged November 29, 1872 in Unionville, South Carolina. Nineteen days later, in Louisville, Kentucky, he reenlisted with the 7th Cavalry and was attached to Troop H, December 18, 1872. He completed his service and was discharged, for medical reasons, at Ft. Buford, South Dakota, December 18, 1877. He was awarded his Medal of Honor on 5 October 1878.
Geiger is described in military records as having been dark complexioned, gray eyes, 5’ 5” in height. He could read and write. Military records identify him as a Protestant.
Geiger was admitted multiple times to the Dayton, Ohio VA hospital for various service-related illnesses ranging from chronic dysentery to rheumatism, beginning in 1897.
MOH CITATION:
With 3 comrades during the entire engagement courageously held a position that secured water for the command.
BURIAL LOCATION: DAYTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, DAYTON, OHIO.
SECTION N, ROW 20, GRAVE 47
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
