Edward Clay Sharpless was born in Marion County, Ohio on 10 August 1853 (headstone is marked 20 August 1853). Edward’s home of record, at his time of enlistment, was Columbus, Ohio. Edward enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 6th U.S. Cavalry. He died 12 January 1934, and is buried in Mountainair Cemetery, Torrance County, New Mexico.
Date of Issue: April 23, 1875
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Edward Clay Sharpless, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on September 9 – 11, 1874, while serving with Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Upper Washita River, Texas. While carrying dispatches Corporal Sharpless was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he (and a comrade)* fought throughout the day.
*Corporal William Morris was one of only two Company H soldiers couriers on the September 1874 6th Cavalry Roster, and was probably Corporal Edward Sharpless’ unnamed comrade in this action. Corporal William Morris also received the Medal of Honor in this action.
Corporals Sharpless and Morris’s actions are mentioned in the following books:
Cheyennes of Dark Water Creek: The Last Fight of the Red River War by William Young Chulfant on pg. 114
Battles of the Red River War: Archeological Perspectives on the Indian Campaign of 1874 by J. Brett Cruse on pg. 162
Eyewitnesses to the Indian Wars: 1865-1890: Conquering the Southern Plains by Peter Cozzens
Buried Treasures: Famous and Unusual Grave Sites in New Mexico History By Richard Melzer pg. 286-287
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
Edward Clay Sharpless’ name does not appear on any memorials in Marion, Ohio. His name and citation are located on the National Medal of Honor Memorial, White River State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 