6106 - Captain Myles Moylan (1838–1909) — Congressional Medal of Honor “for Gallantry at Bear Paw Mountain, Mont.” awarded on “Sept. 30, 1877”

Captain Myles Moylan (1838–1909) — Congressional Medal of Honor “for Gallantry at Bear Paw Mountain, Mont.” awarded on “Sept. 30, 1877” A five-pointed star (Army Model 1) struck in bronze, standing on its point, bearing the engraver’s signature “Paquet F.” The eagle clasp, secured by rings, and the ribbon bar with safety pin are also struck in bronze. On an original, slightly soiled 2nd Model ribbon. The reverse bears the recipient’s dedication: “The Congress to Capt. Myles Moylan—7th U.S. Cav. for Gallantry at Bear Paw Mountain, Mont., Sept. 30, 1877.” Width 53.3 mm, total weight 30.57 g. In the original, though later, presentation case. The Medal of Honor was established in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln as the highest decoration for valor during the Civil War and has been awarded in approximately 3,500 cases to date. Myles Moylan served with the 2nd U.S. Dragoons beginning in 1857, became a corporal in 1858, a sergeant in 1860, and, as a first sergeant during the Civil War in 1861–62, took part in the battles of Wilson’s Creek, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and the Siege of Corinth. As a second lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Cavalry, he fought in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. After being discharged for unauthorized absence from duty, he enlisted under a different name in the 4th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, where he rose to the rank of captain by the end of the Civil War in 1865. In 1866, he re-enlisted as a private in the 7th U.S. Cavalry, took part in the Washita Massacre in 1868, and was promoted to captain again in 1872. He took part in the Yellowstone Expedition in 1873 and the Black Hills Expedition in 1874, and fought at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valiant leadership of his command against the Nez Perce Indians at the Battle of Bear Paw on September 30, 1877, during which he was seriously wounded. In 1890, he was involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre; he was promoted to major in 1892 and retired in 1893. The Medal of Honor was awarded to him on November 27, 1894. Moylan’s Colt Single Action Army from the Battle of Little Bighorn was sold at a U.S. auction in 2024 for $150,000. Pursuant to 18 U.S. Code § 704, this item may not be purchased by U.S. citizens or shipped to the United States. Condition: I–II