U.S. Army Paymaster Robbed in Violent Attack
May 11th, 1889
May 11th, 1889
How Long Ago?
135 years, 10 months, 4 days ago
Location
Near Fort Robinson, Nebraska, United States
Category
Military & Warfare
People
- John P. C. Murdock
- John W. Squires
Links & References
Tags
U.S. Army Paymaster Robbed in Violent Attack
A U.S. Army paymaster and his escort were ambushed in a violent attack while transporting over $28,000 in funds. The assailants, armed and intent on theft, succeeded in making off with the cash, resulting in a significant loss for the military. The bravery shown by Paymaster John P. C. Murdock and Sergeant John W. Squires during the assault led to both being awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions that day.
Over $28,000 was stolen during the attack.
John P. C. Murdock was the paymaster involved.
Both Murdock and Squires received Medals of Honor.
The incident highlighted military logistics vulnerabilities.
What Happened?
On May 11, 1889, in the vicinity of a military installation, a U.S. Army paymaster was leading an escort to transport a large sum of money, exceeding $28,000. The funds were intended for the salaries of soldiers stationed at a nearby fort. However, as they traveled through the region, they were ambushed by a group of outlaws. Armed with rifles, the assailants launched a surprise attack that caught the escort off guard. In the ensuing chaos, a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out as the soldiers attempted to protect the funds they were carrying. Despite their desperate effort to fend off the attackers, the outlaws successfully made off with the considerable cash amount, leaving behind a scene of disorder and confusion. The attack not only highlighted the dangers faced by military personnel but also brought attention to the vulnerability of Army operations involving financial transactions.
In the aftermath of the assault, the actions of Paymaster John P. C. Murdock and Sergeant John W. Squires were recognized for their exceptional bravery under fire. Both men displayed remarkable courage in the face of danger, attempting to safeguard military funds despite overwhelming odds. Their actions were a testament to the spirit of duty and heroism, leading to both being awarded the Medal of Honor as a recognition of their valor. This incident drew national attention to the risks associated with military logistics and the need for better protection during such operations.
Why Does it Matter?
The ambush of the U.S. Army paymaster is notable for exposing the vulnerabilities within military logistics during that era. The loss of such a significant sum underscored the need for improved security measures when transporting funds. The bravery of Murdock and Squires not only earned them the Medal of Honor but also set a precedent for recognizing acts of heroism in protective duties within the military. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by U.S. forces during the late 19th century, a time brimming with conflict and lawlessness in certain regions.
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