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African American Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient First Sgt. Augustus Walley
Late 1800's photograph of members of the 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers). Augustus Walley (top row, 2nd from right, with the bandana around his neck), a former slave from Bond Avenue in Reisterstown, MD, earned the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Born March 10, 1856 into slavery in Reisterstown, Maryland. This African American spent his time in slavery until the end of the civil war in 1865. From 1865 to November 26, 1878 he worked as a laborer in the Reisterstown area. On November 26, 1878 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the ~ 9th Cavalry Regiment of the famous Buffalo Soldiers as a private with Troop I. He served with this regiment until his discharge on November25, 1883.
When he enlisted in Baltimore, Maryland he was then shipped west. He never imagined that he would return home a hero. After roll call in August 31, 1881, he was present for duty and records show that his troop had been in battle with hostile Indians on August 16, 1881 in the Cuchiullo Negro Mountains. He was discharged at Fort Reno, Arizona on November 25, 1883 on expiration of serve with a character rating of excellence. He re-enlisted November 26, 1883 and served continuously until his 1 retirement in 1907, with 29 years of service.
Application for a medal of honor was cited by Lieut. George R. Burnett, 9th Cavalry for his braver on August 16, 1881 in action against hostile apaches at Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico. Events leading to this application follow: During the fight a horse of a Private Burton became unmanageable and carried the Private directly into Indian fire. To avoid this Burton dropped from his saddle injured and inactive. Assumed dead the command was given to fall back and take another position, but Burton called out for help and to be rescued. This soldier without regard for his own safety under heavy enemy fire went to Private Burton's assistance and brought him to safety. Lt. Burnett cited many numerous minor instances of this soldier's gallantry during the two years under Lt. Burnett's command. He was always found to be reliable, trustworthy and efficient which warranted a recommendation for the medal of honor.
While these acts of bravery were approved and recommended by the Regimental Commander, Colonel Edward Hatch he also recommended that he also be awarded a certificate of merit for distinguished service, whether in action or otherwise. These honors were to represent his extraordinary exertion in the preservation of human life. The nation's highest award the Medal of Honor was awarded to private Augustus Walley on October 1, 1890 with a Certificate of Merit. 1st Sgt. Augustus Walley was sent to Cuba in the Spanish American War with the 10th Cavalry and was awarded another certificate of merit for gallantry under enemy fire. He spent two years in the Philippines insurrection in the 10th Cavalry and retired from the "Buffalo Soldiers " in 1907. Sgt. Augustus Walley took up residence in Butte, Montana. He was recalled to active duty on May 1, 1918 assigned as 1st Sgt. Sanitary Corps at Camp Beaunegard, Louisiana until he retired on March 8, 1919. He lived the rest of his life on Etting Avenue in Baltimore City until his death on April 9, 1938. Sgt. Augustus Walley has a niece lnez Lee, Great nieces-Betty Stokes, Beulah Johnson, Talaya Johnson, and Great nephews-Water Johnson and Michael Johnson all who reside in Maryland.
WALLEY, AUGUSTUS
Rank and Organization: Private, Company I, 9th U.S. Cavalry. Place and Date: At Cuchillo Negro Mountains, N. Mex., 16 August 1881. Birth: Reistertown, Md. Date of Issue: 1 October 1890. Private, Company I, 9th U.S. Cavalry. Place and Date: At Cuchillo Negro Mountains, N. Mex., 16 August 1881. Birth: Reistertown, Md. Date of Issue: 1 October 1890.
CITATION:
Bravery in action with hostile Apaches.
See Also BuffaloSoldiers.com
Colored Troops in the Civil War
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