Benjamin H. Cheever Jr.

Benjamin Harrison Cheever Jr. (June 7, 1850 – October 21, 1930) was a US Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars. He was born in Washington, D.C.

Benjamin H. Cheever Jr.
Birth nameBenjamin Harrison Cheever Jr
Born(1850-06-07)June 7, 1850
Washington, D.C., U.S.
DiedOctober 21, 1930(1930-10-21) (aged 80)
Ventnor City, New Jersey, U.S.
Buried
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Army
RankLieutenant Colonel
Commands6th Cavalry Regiment
United States Volunteers
8th Cavalry Regiment
Battles / warsAmerican Indian Wars

Cheever was appointed as second lieutenant of the 6th Cavalry Regiment in August 1876, and was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1881. He was promoted to captain in March 1893, and served as an inspector general of US Volunteers during the Spanish-American War, serving in the Philippines.[1] In September 1902, he was promoted to major in the 8th Cavalry Regiment, but returned to his old regiment half a year later, and continued serving until his retirement with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1910. He was later advanced to colonel on the retired list[2]

Cheever died in Ventnor City, New Jersey and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

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Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At White River, S. Dak., January 1, 1891. Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Birth: June 7, 1850, Washington, D.C. Date of issue: April 25, 1891.

Headed the advance across White River partly frozen, in a spirited movement to the effective assistance of Troop K, 6th U.S. Cavalry.

References

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