John Frederick Rowalt MOH

b. 1850 Lexington, Ohio. d. 07/11/1875 Covington, Kentucky.

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 14/10/1869 Lynx Creek, Arizona Territory.

Medal of Honor Recipient. John Rowalt was the son of Henry and Catherine Rowalt. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Indian War Campaigns on May 11, 1868. He earned the Medal of Honor on October 14, 1869, at Lynx Creek, Arizona, while serving with Co. L, 8th US Cavalry. His citation reads, “Gallantry in action with Indians.” He was discharged as a Sergeant at Fort Union, New Mexico, on May 11, 1873, and returned to Kentucky. After his military service, he worked as a street car driver.

He died of smallpox in a pest house on November 7, 1875, in Kenton County, Kentucky, and is buried in Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. His grave was unmarked for nearly 150 years. A headstone was eventually placed on his grave in the autumn of 2023.

 

MOH CITATION:

Gallantry in action with Indians.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: HIGHLAND CEMETERY, FORT MITCHELL, KENTUCKY.

SECTION 1, GRAVE 72.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.