regiment, he had acquired valuable experience.  In 1888, while serving in the cavalry, he had been complimented in General Orders for skill in trailing raiding parties in Arizona.  He was a resolute and stalwart soldier, an excellent horseman and possessed of superior judgment, and with a reputation for valor which none who knew him would question.  The return of Troop G, Tenth Cavalry, for July, 1898, contains the following note:  “Lieutenant Roberts was wounded early in the engagement; Lieutenant Smith was killed about 10.30 a.m. while gallantly leading the troop in the advance line.  After Lieutenant Smith fell the command of the troop devolved upon First Sergeant Saint Foster, who displayed remarkable intelligence and ability in handling the troop during the remainder of the day.  Sergeant Foster’s conduct was such as cannot be excelled for valor during the operations around Santiago.  He commanded the troop up the hills of San Juan.”

Sergeant William H. Givens, of Troop D, Tenth Cavalry, also commanded in the action against San Juan.  His Captain, who was wounded three times in the fight, being finally disabled before reaching the hill, makes the following report:  “Sergeant William H. Givens was with the platoon which I commanded; whenever I observed him he was at his post exercising a steadying or encouraging influence on the men, and conducting himself like the thorough soldier that I have long known him to be.  I understand to my great satisfaction that he has been rewarded by an appointment to a lieutenancy in an immune regiment.”

The Descriptive list of Sergeant Givens, made on August 4th, 1898, contains these remarks: 

     “Commanded his troop with excellent judgment after his
     captain fell at the battle of San Juan, July 1, 1898,
     leading it up the hill to the attack of the blockhouse.

     “Character:  A most excellent soldier."[23]

Sergeant Givens may also be called an “old-timer.”  He had enlisted in ’69, and had passed all that time in hard frontier service.  The troop in which he enlisted during the years 1876-78 was almost constantly engaged with hostile Indians along the Mexican border, and Sergeant Givens was called upon to take part in numerous scouts in which there were many striking adventures.  He was also in that memorable campaign against Victoria, conducted by General Grierson.  Sergeant Givens was an ideal soldier and worthy the commendations bestowed upon him by his troop commander and others.  Captain Bigelow received his disabling wound about seventy-five yards from the blockhouse and was taken to the rear under heavy fire by two soldiers of the troop by the name of Henderson and Boardman.

Lieutenant Kennington, reporting the work of the troop on that morning says that Corporal J. Walker was probably the first soldier to reach the top of the hill and is believed to have shot the Spaniard who killed Lieutenant Ord.  The report containing the above statement is dated July 5, 1898.  Since that time the matter has been fully investigated by Captain Bigelow and the fact ascertained that Corporal Walker did arrive first on the hill and did shoot the Spaniard referred to and he has been recommended for a Medal of Honor in consequence.