A Life of Valor

George Emerson Albee was a soldier whose military service spanned two of the most defining conflicts in 19th-century America. Born in New Hampshire, Albee enlisted as a teenager during the Civil War, joining the famed Berdan’s Sharpshooters. He was later wounded at the Second Battle of Bull Run but returned to service, eventually becoming an officer in both the Wisconsin Infantry and the United States Colored Troops.

After the Civil War, Albee continued his military career on the western frontier during the Indian Wars, where he would perform the daring action that earned him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation

Date & Place of Action: October 28, 1869 – Brazos River, Texas
Unit: 41st U.S. Infantry
Citation:

“Attacked with two men a force of eleven Indians, drove them from the hills, and reconnoitered the country beyond.”

He received the Medal of Honor on January 18, 1894.

Career Highlights

• Civil War Service: Enlisted at age 17. Wounded at Second Bull Run. Rose to 1st Lieutenant in the 36th Wisconsin Infantry and later served in the 36th U.S. Colored Infantry.

• Indian Wars Heroism: Demonstrated exceptional leadership in Texas, outnumbered but undeterred.

• Postwar Leadership: Served in the 24th Infantry (a Buffalo Soldier regiment). Later joined the Connecticut National Guard as a Captain and was promoted to Major and Inspector of Rifle Practice.

• Later Life: A noted marksman and firearms expert. He remained involved in military training and arms innovation until his death in 1918.

George E. Albee embodied the transition from Civil War soldier to Indian Wars frontier officer. His courage, resilience, and continued commitment to public service remain an enduring legacy of American military history.

📚 Sources:

1. Congressional Medal of Honor Society – Recipient Profile

2. Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial – Albee Biography

3. U.S. Army Center of Military History – Indian Wars MOH Citations