The Indians called the hard fighting African American troopers of the 9th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers.” Customary of the times, white officers such as 2nd Lieutenant George Burnett commanded these black troops who found themselves in a furious fight for their lives in the stark Cuchilla Negra Mountains. Burnett’s brave leadership and the tenacity of his troopers not only saved some stranded comrades, but prevented the Apache from overrunning their entire position.

Burnett earned his Medal at a battle that began near Camp Canada Alamosa, New Mexico, on August 16, 1881. His foe was Chief Nana, leader of the infamous episode called Nana’s Raid that spread terror throughout Mexico and the American southwest. Nana and about 100 Apache Indians brazenly attacked a ranch located near the camp and murdered the Mexican family who lived there. When the news came of the massacre, Lt. Burnett promptly organized his troops in pursuit of the band. Burnett and his outnumbered force caught up with the Indians as they were making off with goods stolen from the murdered settlers. The ensuing skirmish lasted for several hours and became desperate. Several men of the small command distinguished themselves for their brave deeds.

The Apaches reached the foothills of the Cuchilla Negra Mountains, and used this terrain to their advantage during a fierce battle. Lt. Burnett’s small force assumed a position of relative safety amid the rocky outcrops. However, several of his men were unaccounted for, and it was evident their fate was being jeopardized by the tenacity and numbers of Apaches.

Trumpeter John Rodgers volunteered to carry a message for reinforcements, and although his horse was twice wounded, Rodgers was able to escape the Apache fire. Word of Lt. Burnett’s danger was delivered to Lt. Burnett’s comrade Lt. Valois, who with his men immediately departed to assist his comrades. Valois and his troops were themselves overwhelmed by the Indians, and took defensive positions behind prairie dog mounds. Several men were wounded, and when all appeared futile, Lt. Burnett and his men charged headlong into the melee, causing the Apaches to withdraw into the foothills. Lt. Valois and all but four of his men were able to move to the rear and to relative safety.

Upon hearing the cries of the four men left behind, Lt. Burnett called for volunteers, and with black troopers Sergeant Moses Williams and Private Augustus Walley (who also received the Medal of Honor), again rode to the rescue of the remaining soldiers. Two had now reached safety, but one remaining soldier, now wounded and lying on the ground, could not move. Private Walley mounted his horse, and under the protective fire of Burnett and Williams, was able to ride to the man, assist him into the saddle, and gallop to safety at the rear. The remaining member of the troop was dazed by the confusion of the battle, and wandered in the direction of the Apaches.

Lt. Burnett wheeled his horse around, and galloped back to a position between the wounded man and the Indians. With relentless fire from his revolver, Burnett was able to stop the Apache advance long enough for the wounded soldier to move to the safety of his comrades. Although Lt. Burnett was unscathed, his horse was shot twice.

On July 23, 1897, Burnett received a communiqué from R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. It was then that Burnett was notified of his selection to be awarded the nation’s highest award for “distinguished gallantry in action.” Shortly thereafter, the engraved medal was forwarded to Burnett by registered mail.