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Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Sgt. William Alchesay, US Army Indian Scout
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. A Sierra Blanc Apache Indian, Chief of the White Mountain Apache of Eastern Arizona, he served in the Wars with the Plains Indians as a Sergeant in Company A, United States Army Indian Scouts. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during the Winter of 1872-1873, where he participated in the Campaigns in the Tonto Basin. His citation reads Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches. His Medal was awarded to him on April 12, 1875. He was one of 14 Native Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor during various services during the Indian Wars, 10 (including Alchesay) having been personally recommended for the Honor by General George Crook. He became a respected Chief of the White Mountain Apache Indians, and participated in the 1886 Campaign that ultimately ended in the capture of Geronimo. He spent much of his life being a counselor to Indian Agents, and had met with President Grover Cleveland to discuss Indian issues. General Crooks aide, Captain John G. Bourke (also a Medal of Honor recipient), described Chief Alchesay as a perfect Adonis in figure, a mass of muscle and sinew of wonderful courage, great sagacity, and as faithful as an Irish hound.
CITATION:
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Indian Scouts. Place and date: Winter of 1872-73. Entered service at: Camp Verde, Ariz. Born: 1853, Arizona Territory. Date of issue: 12 April 1875. Citation: Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.
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