Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain
Brigadier General Edward Settle Godfrey
— Served: 1861 - 1907 —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
1. A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain Marker
On a cold, late September day in 1877, Captain Edward Settle Godfrey commanded Company D of the 7th U.S. Cavalry in a charge against the Nez Perce at Bear Paw Mountain. His horse was shot out from under him causing the young Captain to take a hard fall to the ground. Dazed but not out, he recovered his senses, mounted the blood splattered horse of a dead trooper, and continued to give orders. Godfrey's good fortune was short lived as he was soon struck by a bullet in his left side. In great pain, he was helped back on his horse and rode to the field hospital for treatment.
The siege at Bear Paw Mountain would last for five more days and ended with the surrender of Chief Joseph. On October 5th 1877, Chief Joseph proclaimed, "From where the sun now stands I shall fight no more forever."
Godfrey survived his wound and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1894 for his service at Bear Paw Mountain. He retired in 1907.
Led his command into action when he was severely wounded.
Medal of Honor Citation
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian
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Location. 40° 12.251′ N, 77° 9.549′ W. Marker is near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. Marker is on Army Heritage Trail south of Soldiers Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Drummer Jarvis Hanks (here, next to this marker); The Carlisle Forge (a few steps from this marker); Obstacle Course (within shouting distance of this marker); Training Centers (within shouting distance of this marker); A Soldier Story (within shouting distance of this marker); A Century of Protection (within shouting distance of this marker); General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion (within shouting distance of this marker); Smallpox (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
2. A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
