The Spirit of "Comanche" Lives On!

Part mustang, part morgan horse...this brave soldier, who served Captain Myles Keogh at the famous Battle of the Little Big Horn, lives on in the hearts of patriots.

Key Facts:
* Born around 1862; captured in a wild horse round-up and then gelded.
* Bought by the Army April 3, 1868 in St. Louis, Missouri for $90.00.
* Assigned to 7th Cavalry where he served as Captain Myles Keough's personal mount.
* Severely wounded at the Battle of the Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876.
* Died November 7, 1891 at age 34; the men of 7th Cavalry were greatly saddenned by his passing.

Comanche is said to be of unimpressive build, yet something about him called out to the men of the 7th Cavalry. He was gentle, of sound mind, and had an aire of nobility about him. He was tough as nails and proved he could be relied upon in the heat of battle. When shot in the flank by an arrow, among other debilitating wounds, he bravely advanced... letting his rider continue the fight from his back. In a world of traditionally nameless U.S. cavalry horses, he won the title...Comanche.

Two days after the massacre:

Comanche was discovered in a ravine by Sgt. Milton DeLacey covered in dry blood and exhausted from trying to get up. After receiving water and immediate medical attention he was coaxed onto his feet and taken to a temporary field station where his injuries were recorded. He sufferred four bullet wounds to the back of his foreshoulder, one to a hoof, and one in each back leg. All but one of the bullets were removed, the last being too risky. When given medical clearance, he was placed on the steamboat "Far West" (along with a sea of bodies who were once his peers) and taken back to Fort Lincoln where he was hailed as a hero.

Paperwork created by 2nd Lt. James Thomas describes reads as follows:
Height: 15 hands
Weight: 925 lbs.
Color: Buckskin
Condition: Unserviceable
Remarks: excused from all duties per G.O. No. 7, April 10, 1878

Comanche was given special priveleges by the officer in charge of Fort Lincoln, Col. Sturgis. Sturgis issued G.O. No. 7 stating " a special and comfortable stall shall be fitted up for him, and he will not be ridden by any person whatsoever under any circumstances, nor will he be put to any kind of work," and was given the honorary title of "Second Commanding Officer." He would never again see battle, but could, however, be used for parades, draped in mourning and led by a soldier of troop I. Other priveleges included free roam of the fort, sugar cubes as desired, his own ration of beer, and his own personal caretaker by the name of Gustave Korn.

As time passed, Comanche grew very fond Korn...and the feeling was mutual. On the occasion that Korn was late for chores, Comanche would go looking for him...sometimes finding him at a girlfriend's house and promptly brought him back to his scheduled post. After Korn was killed at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890, Comanche's health deteriorated.

Comanche died on November 7, 1891 at age 34. He was decorated with full military honors...one of only two horses to have ever received this prestigious award. (The other horse was Black Jack who served as "the riderless horse" in the funerals of four U.S. presidents, four star generals, and other noteworthy celebrations. It is my opinion, however, that a horse serving in battle as noblely as Comanche deserves far more credit than a pretty horse at the head of a parade. Give credit where credit is due.)

At the wishes of the men of the 7th Cavalry, Comanche stands preserved in a climate controlled glass case for future generations to appreciate. Many history buffs and horse lovers drive thousands of miles just to stand in his presence... solidifying the fact that he remains a source of inspiration and courage. And most of all...he is our "soul surviving" link to a fascinating, yet unmistakably horrific past. He captures our minds along with our hearts.

Note: His glass tomb stands on display in the Museum of Natural History at the University of Kansas.

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Interesting facts:

Comanche is famous for being the sole survivor of the massacre of the Little Big Horn commanded by General George Custer. This may not be entirely true. Upon further investigation, it seems that other mounts from the battle and one dog, also survived. It is ironic, however, that since these other soldiers are no longer with us...their bodies now equal to dust and only Comanche remains...that yes...Comanche IS the only survivor of the Battle.

His story is the stuff of legend...and this is apparent in the hundreds of songs and books that have been dedicated in his honor. The popular Johnny Horton song "Comanche the Brave Horse" is a great example.