After serving at federal hospitals across the South during the Civil War, Maj. Henry Tilton was posted to the trans-Mississippi frontier where he accompanied several Indian campaigns, including the 1873 Yellowstone Expedition. Following Tilton’s frontier duty, he joined the 5th Infantry and 7th Calvary in a fierce battle with the Nez Perce at Bear Paw Mountain, Mont. With admirable courage, the assistant surgeon was able to save the lives of many wounded soldiers who lay helplessly in the line of fire. Tilton was promoted to deputy surgeon general in 1893, and retired from the service a year later.
Citation: “Fearlessly risked his life and displayed great gallantry in rescuing and protecting the wounded men.”