Company M

Map of the Battle Showing the Defense at Reno Hill

Map of the Battle Showing the Defense at Reno Hill

Company M defended the perimeter of the hill on the side of the Little Bighorn River below the steep slopes of the ridge and hill.  First Sergeant John Ryan engaged warrior sharpshooters on Sharpshooter Ridge, about 900 yards away.

Map of the Battle Showing the Defense at Reno Hill2015-09-12T14:27:10-05:00

View of the Timberline

View of the Timberline

This photo was taken in 2009 from Company M’s position on the skirmish line in the Little Bighorn valley.  The line of large bushes is at what was then known as the timber line.  After Company A and Company G hastily pulled off the skirmish line, leaving Company M alone to face the increasing number of warriors, Captain Thomas French and First Sergeant John Ryan conducted a fighting withdrawal to the timber line, saving the company from destruction.

View of the Timberline2015-09-12T14:42:06-05:00

Casing with Gouge Mark at Company M position in the Valley

Casing with Gouge Mark at Company M position in the Valley

Several accounts of the battle stated that soldiers experienced weapon malfunctions when the copper bullet cartridge expanded after firing and would not eject.  This expended cartridge shows scarring, where a soldier used a knife to remove it from the chamber, an act that would not have been necessary with a fully functioning weapon.

Casing with Gouge Mark at Company M position in the Valley2015-09-12T14:42:50-05:00
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