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Gaines Lawson

First Sgt. Gaines Lawson was born in 1841 in Hawkins County, TN, and awarded the Medal of Honor on June 11, 1895. He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the Civil War Battle of McMinnville.(Not Minville as the citation says.)

Lawson remained in the Army following the war, receiving an officer's commission and serving with distinction commanding with the 25th Infantry Regiment of "Buffalo Soldiers." He served in various actions across the west during the Indian campaigns, including serving as commanding officer in the campaign against Sitting Bull following the Battle of Little Big Horn. He served twice as Commanding Officer of Fort Gibson before resuming his command of the 25th.

He retired from the Army and moved to California where died on September 12, 1906, from complications of pneumonia with the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Citation: Went to the aid of a wounded comrade between the lines and carried him to a place of safety.