The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Elisha Simpson Hornaday, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 23 April 1875, while serving with Company H, 6th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Sappa Creek, Kansas. With five other men Private Hornaday waded in mud and water up the creek to a position directly behind an entrenched Cheyenne position, who were using natural bank pits to good advantage against the main column. This surprise attack from the enemy rear broke their resistance.

General Orders: Date of Issue: November 16, 1876

Action Date: April 23, 1875

Service: Army

Rank: Private

Company: Company H

Division: 6th U.S. Cavalry