John Nihill

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John Nihill (May 25, 1850 – May 29, 1908) was an Irish-born soldier in the U.S. Army who fought in the Indian Wars with the 5th U.S. Cavalry. He is best known for daring bravery in the Whetstone Mountains of Arizona on July 13, 1872, when he single-handedly fought off four Apache warriors to help his wound comrades escape.

Early life and career
- Born in Nenagh, Ireland. He ran away from home and eventually moved to the United States, settling in Brooklyn.
- Enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 10, 1868, joining the 5th U.S. Cavalry. He spent the next years in campaigns across the Plains and the Southwest, including actions with William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody as a guide.

The Whetstone Mountains action
- Nihill was part of an eight-man cavalry detachment pursuing Apache raiders who had stolen cattle.
- They were surprised by about 80 Apache warriors. During the fight, Nihill became separated from his unit.
- He helped Private Michael Glynn and First Sergeant Henry Newman by holding off attacking Apaches so the wounded could be evacuated.
- After Glynn was badly wounded, Nihill rode to safety with him and then returned to help his comrades.
- Nihill killed several Apaches and, though low on ammunition, kept fighting until the attackers withdrew.
- He then helped Glynn reach safety and rode the wounded man nearly 50 miles back to Camp Crittenden.
- For this act of bravery, Nihill was later awarded the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1874 (Glynn and Newman also received medals for their part).

Later life and honors
- Nihill continued to serve in various campaigns against the Apaches and earned a reputation as a top marksman.
- He won many shooting medals, including several departmental and division awards, and by the mid-1880s had earned more marksman honors than any other soldier in the U.S. Army. At one point he was barred from accepting more medals.
- He remained in the Army’s various units, including the 5th Cavalry, the 5th Artillery, and the Battalion of Engineers, and even accompanied President Arthur on a Yellowstone trip as a hunter in 1885.
- Nihill retired to New York and lived in Whitestone, Long Island.

Death and legacy
- He died on May 29, 1908, at age 58 and was buried with full military honors at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
- He was the only enlisted man at the time to be admitted to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.