About the Author
George Armstrong Custer was born on December 5, 1839 in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio. He enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant at the age of 26 on June 24, 1861 and was mustered into the 2nd U.S. Army Cavalry. He was transferred to the 5th U.S. Army Cavalry on August 3. Custer was commissioned into the U.S. Volunteers Aide-De-Camp on June 5, 1862 and was promoted to Captain. On July 17, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was discharged on March 31, 1863. He was commissioned into the U.S. Volunteers General Staff on June 29 and was promoted to Brigadier General. Custer received several other promotions, including: Major by Brevet, July 3; Captain, May 8, 1864; Lieutenant Colonel by Brevet, May 11; Colonel by Brevet, September 19; Major General by Brevet, October 19; Brigadier General by Brevet, March 13, 1865; Major General by Brevet March 13; Major General, April 15, 1866; and, Lieutenant Colonel, July 28. He was mustered out of service on February 1. On July 28, he was commissioned into the 7th U.S. Army Cavalry Field and Staff. George A. Custer was killed on June 25, 1876 at Little Big Horn River, Montana.Documents for this Author: