First Sergeant John Ryan, M Company, 7th Cavalry, was a true hero of the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
His company, commanded by Captain Thomas French, was part of the 7th Cavalry battalion which was sent with Major Reno to capture the Sioux and Cheyenne in their camps while General Custer intended to battle (and defeat) the warriors, ultimately to subdue them and take them to their assigned reservations. Reno’s attack, after crossing the Little Big Horn, was repelled and his men, after re-crossing the river, had to “fort up” as well as they could to defend themselves.
That’s where Sergeant Ryan’s rifle played a very outstanding part, certainly saving the lives of several men in that company.
The Ralph Heinz painting depicting Sgt. John Ryan “in action” at the Little Big Horn. Ryan and his rifle became part of history on June 25, 1876.
Sgt. Ryan rifle number 1, in .45-70 with a 30” heavy barrel.
www.csharpsarms.com
His company, commanded by Captain Thomas French, was part of the 7th Cavalry battalion which was sent with Major Reno to capture the Sioux and Cheyenne in their camps while General Custer intended to battle (and defeat) the warriors, ultimately to subdue them and take them to their assigned reservations. Reno’s attack, after crossing the Little Big Horn, was repelled and his men, after re-crossing the river, had to “fort up” as well as they could to defend themselves.
That’s where Sergeant Ryan’s rifle played a very outstanding part, certainly saving the lives of several men in that company.
The Ralph Heinz painting depicting Sgt. John Ryan “in action” at the Little Big Horn. Ryan and his rifle became part of history on June 25, 1876.
Sgt. Ryan rifle number 1, in .45-70 with a 30” heavy barrel.