Franklin M. McDonald

Franklin M. McDonald (1850–unknown) was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for gallantry in defeating Indians who attacked the mail.

Biography McDonald was born in 1850, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He enlisted in Company G, 11th U.S. Infantry at Fort Griffin, Texas, on June 7, 1871.

On August 3, 1872, McDonald escorted a mail coach from Jacksboro, Texas, to Fort Griffin. Fifteen miles from Fort Belknap, it was attacked by a band of eight to 10 Kiowa Indians.

McDonald received the medal on September 8, 1872, without a formal ceremony and was promoted to Corporal. On December 4, 1873, McDonald deserted the Army and was never heard from again.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization Private, Company G, 11th U.S. Infantry. Place and date: Near Fort Griffin, Tex., 5 August 1872. Entered service at: Fort Griffin, Texas, on June 7, 1871. Birth: Bowling Green, Ky. Date of issue: 31 August 1872.

Citation Gallantry in defeating Indians who attacked the mail.