William Osborn was born in
Boston, Massachusetts, in 1837. He later enlisted in the
U.S. Army and became a member of the
1st U.S. Cavalry. He participated in the
Indian Wars against the
Plains Indians during the 1870s and eventually reached the rank of
sergeant. During the
Apache Wars, he served under Lieutenant Colonel
George Crook in his "winter campaign" of 1872–73. He distinguished himself in several battles with the
Apache in the
Arizona Territory during this time and, on April 12, 1875, was among the members of his regiment to receive the
Medal of Honor for "gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches". Osborn died in
Washington, D.C., on May 17, 1887, at the age of 50. He was interred at the
United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery. ==Medal of Honor citation==