Quick Facts
Biography
George Horace Morgan (January 1, 1855 – February 14, 1948) was an American cavalry officer and Medal of Honor recipient. He was the son of a Civil War general, George N. Morgan, and graduated from West Point, the U.S. Military Academy, in 1880.
Morgan served in all the United States' wars from the Indian Wars to World War I. He was wounded by an Apache in the Battle of Big Dry Wash in the Arizona Territory in 1882, for which he received the Medal of Honor. The bullet remained near his heart for over 60 years until it shifted in 1948 and caused his death. He is the namesake of Camp Morgan in Bosnia. Three other men, First Lieutenant Frank West, Second Lieutenant Thomas Cruse and First Sergeant Charles Taylor were also awarded Medals of Honor in this action. West and Cruse are also Academy graduates.
Death and burial
Morgan attained the rank of Colonel in April 1914, and retired on New Year's Day 1919. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, 3d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Big Dry Wash, Ariz., July 17, 1882. Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn. Birth: Canada. Date of issue: July 15, 1892.
Citation:
Gallantly held his ground at a critical moment and fired upon the advancing enemy (hostile Indians) until he was disabled by a shot.