Comanche (the Brave Horse)
It was June 20, 2023, and I stood there, mesmerized, looking out across the historic battlefield of Little Bighorn. It had been nearly one hundred forty-seven years since 268 soldiers of the US 7th Cavalry lost their lives, under the command of then Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer.
There are no official figures on how many of the 1500 to 2500 Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors died in the attack on the US 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25th and 26th, 1876. The best estimates suggest between 31 and 100 deaths.
Was it the romantic battlefield idealism of my youth that I felt as a teenager when I learned about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or the overwhelming sorrow of an adult imagining the senseless slaughter of American soldiers on that now sacred battlefield that suddenly took over my senses and emotions? Whatever the reason may be, it was a sobering experience I will never forget.
Why do I write about the Battle of the Little Bighorn? Last night, I was browsing Spotify for some songs from the past that I hadn’t heard in a while. I came across the song “Comanche,” by legendary country artist Johnny Horton. Hearing that song again reminded me of my visit to the national monument for the Battle of the Little Bighorn a couple of years ago.
I remember staring out over the sacred battlefield and walking somberly through the haunting yet beautiful cemetery dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the US 7th Cavalry. The memories of visiting the national monument at the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the song “Comanche (the Brave Horse)” inspired me to pay a special Veterans Day tribute today to the battlefield-disabled veterans of the US military.
Survivors existed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Fifty-five soldiers were wounded but survived that battle. Of those wounded, six ultimately died from their injuries.
The most famous survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn was a horse named Comanche, who belonged to Captain Myles Keough. Captain Keough was the senior Captain among the five companies wiped out with Custer.
Comanche did not die that day. Although he was severely wounded with at least seven bullet wounds and arrows, Comanche was found two days later, barely standing over the body of his rider, Captain Myles Keogh. He was taken to Fort Lincoln for medical care. Comanche was retired from military service and lived another 15 years before passing away.
The song “Comanche (the Brave Horse)” has a few inaccuracies. Comanche was not the only survivor, nor did he give his all (die). He survived. Comanche was not found lying at the General’s feet. Instead, he was found weak and wounded, standing over his rider, Captain Keith.
Despite the song's inaccuracies, “Comanche (the Brave Horse)” is a good song. Comanche did not bolt during the battle like other horses did. He stayed with his rider even when hit by numerous bullets and arrows. He was truly a brave horse.
The song “Comanche (the Brave Horse)” highlights the same courage and bravery of many of our veterans. Each year on the last Monday of May, we honor those who gave their life in service to their country. In November, we celebrate Veterans Day, paying tribute to all veterans, including those wounded or disabled in battle.
This year, I want to pay special tribute to those veterans who were wounded in battle. Especially to those who are permanently disabled with minimal but lasting disabilities, and to those suffering from severe and permanent disabling injuries. My heart and highest respect go out to each of you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
“Comanche (the Brave Horse)” gave me that inspiration to honor our battlefield disabled veterans. I do not belittle those veterans who have not suffered from battle injuries, for I have the utmost respect for my brothers and sisters of the military, regardless of the honorable conditions and outcome of their service.
With mutual respect for all veterans of our military, I hereby pay special tribute to those veterans who are permanently disabled and often face pain and discomfort from their battlefield injuries received in the line of duty. I salute you. I dedicate the song below to you:
Comanche (the Brave Horse)
by Johnny Horton
Released 01/01/1959
Good song, great tribute, very approbate for the moment. And a great gratitude extends out to you, Gene, for your service to our country! Thanks again!
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