Man Describes Surviving an Indian Battle in 1868 - Wild West - Interview in 1930

This is an interview with Corporal Leander Herron, who tells the story of surviving an Indian battle in September, 1868, about 11 miles outside of Fort Dodge, Kansas. He received a medal of honor for his actions that night.Show more

During that time, there were heightened tensions and frequent raids by Plains warriors on wagon trains and settlers in the area. On the night of September 2–3, Herron and fellow Corporal Patrick “Paddy” Boyle set out from Fort Dodge to deliver dispatches 75 miles northeast to Fort Larned. About 11 miles from the post, they came across an Army firewood wagon and its four-soldier escort under attack by nearly 50 Kiowas. Herron and Boyle galloped into the fray to assist the besieged soldiers. While Boyle rode for reinforcements, Herron organized a desperate defense. He and his companions were down to just a dozen rounds among them the next morning when they were saved by a charge of cavalrymen who had galloped the 11 miles from Fort Dodge to their rescue.

The audio has been restored and optimized for more clarity.

This video is made for educational purposes for fair use under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.