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.
“Frenchy” served on the advance guard for Reno’s detachment and complained about the high speed the unit was charging. He survived the battle, serving early on Reno Hill as a water carrier – a feat that earned others the Medal of Honor, but no one in Company M received an award. The following year, “Frenchy” received a major wound to an ankle and his foot had to be amputated. This picture shows him in his later years with part of his family.
