Indian Campaigns Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was a First Sergeant in the United States Army in Company I, 7th US Cavalry. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on December 29, 1890 at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. His citation reads "Killed a hostile Indian at close quarters, and, although entitled to retirement from service, remained to the close of the campaign."

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Sergeant Jacob Trautman, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 29 December 1890, while serving with Company I, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. First Sergeant Trautman killed a hostile Indian at close quarters, and, although entitled to retirement from service, remained to the close of the campaign.

General Orders: Date of Issue: March 27, 1891

Action Date: December 29, 1890

Service: Army

Rank: First Sergeant

Company: Company I

Division: 7th U.S. Cavalry