Born on February 14, 1861 in Elizabethtown, NC., Sergeant William McBryar was the sole member of the 10th U.S. Cavalry to receive the Medal of Honor for bravery during the Indian Campaigns. Entering service in 1887 two years after the 10th left Fort Davis, McBryar was more educated than most recruits, having attended three years of college and being proficient in Spanish.

In the spring of 1890, McBryar was a member of Company K, 10th U.S. Cavalry tracking a band of Apaches at Salt River in the southeastern Arizona Territory. As the troopers entered a canyon near Fort Thomas, the Apaches attacked. The ensuing conflict was short but decisive for the army.

On May 15, 1890, Sergeant McBryar was honored with the Medal of Honor for demonstrating "coolness, bravery, and good marksmanship" under extremely difficult circumstances. McBryar later received a commission and went on to serve with the 49th Volunteer Infantry during the War with Spain.

William McBryar died on March 8, 1941. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetary.

William McBryar: