Green entered the army July 1, 1846. He fought in the
Mexican–American War under General
Winfield Scott as a
first sergeant of the U.S. Mounted Rifles. He was discharged in August 1848, but he re-enlisted with the same regiment in September 1852. By the time the
American Civil War began, Green was a
first lieutenant of the 2nd Dragoons. On August 13, 1861, he was promoted to captain and served with the same regiment throughout the war, though it was renamed the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. He received a
brevet promotion to major for service at the
Battle of Gettysburg and to lieutenant colonel for service during the war. Green was promoted to
major of the 1st Cavalry Regiment in June 1868, and fought against the Apaches in Arizona. He was in command at
Fort Klamath,
Oregon when the
Modoc War began. He earned the Medal of Honor during the
First Battle of the Stronghold though the U.S. forces were defeated. Colonel
Alvan C. Gillem, commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry, assumed command of the expedition against the Modocs. Green commanded a battalion of cavalry and infantry under Gillem during the
Second Battle of the Stronghold in which U.S. forces succeeded in capturing
Captain Jack's Stronghold. Green retired in 1889 after serving as commander of
Fort Boise and alternately as commander of
Fort Walla Walla.
Earning the Medal of Honor At the
First Battle of the Stronghold during the
Modoc War Green's men displayed a reluctance to fight
Modoc warriors, who had been inflicting casualties on their unit. Green left cover, and, standing in full view of the Modoc warriors, proceeded to pace in front of his men, slapping his gloves in his palm for emphasis. Although exposed to enemy fire, Green survived, although he was injured, and remained in command.
Medal of Honor citation Rank and Organization: Major, 1st U.S. Cavalry. Place and Date: At the Lava Beds, Calif., January 17, 1873. Entered Service At: Ohio. Birth: Germany. Date of Issue: November 18, 1897. In order to reassure his command, this officer, in the most fearless manner and exposed to very great danger, walked in front of the line; the command, thus encouraged, advanced over the lava upon the Indians who were concealed among the rocks. ==See also==