b. 1837 Boston, Massachusetts. d. 17/05/1876 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 1872-1873 Apache Campaigns.
William Osborn was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1837. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a member of the 1st U.S. Cavalry. He participated in the Indian Wars against the Plains Indians during the 1870s and eventually reached the rank of sergeant. During the Apache Wars, he served under Lieutenant Colonel George Crook in his “winter campaign” of 1872–73. He distinguished himself in several battles with the Apache in the Arizona Territory during this time and, on April 12, 1875, was among the members of his regiment to receive the Medal of Honor for “gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches”. Osborn died in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 1887, at the age of 50.
MOH CITATION:
Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.
BURIAL LOCATION: US SOLDIERS’ AND AIRMEN’S HOME NATIONAL CEMETERY, WASHINGTON DC.
SECTION K, GRAVE 6512.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
