William Alchesay

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Alchesay

Alchesay (aka William Alchesay, May 17, 1853 - August 6, 1928) was a chief of the White Mountain Apache and an Indian Scout who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor.

Born in Arizona Territory, he joined the Indian Scouts at Camp Verde. He served with forces under General George Crook in action against an uprising of the Chiricahua Apache in the winter of 1872-1873, holding the rank of Sergeant. He was cited for gallantry, and also acted as an envoy from Crook to Geronimo, trying to convince him to surrender peacefully.

Crook's aide (and fellow Medal of Honor recipient) John G. Bourke described Alchesay as "a perfect Adonis in figure, a mass of muscle and sinew of wonderful courage, great sagacity, and as faithful as an Irish hound." He was an advisor to Indian agents and also to President Grover Cleveland. He and Geronimo remained close friends until Geronimo's death in 1909

Alchesay was buried on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. Alchesay High School in Whiteriver is named in his honor.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant, Indian Scouts. Place and date: Winter of 1872-73. Entered service at: Camp Verde, Ariz. Born: 1853, Arizona Territory. Date of issue: 12 April 1875.

Citation:

Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.