More than any other single individual, Lt. Charles Gatewood was responsible for the surrender of Geronimo and his renegade Apaches in 1886. He wrecked his health in undertaking the mission—but he received little recognition or thanks for his work.
He received no commendations or medals. Gatewood never received a promotion. His superior officer, General Nelson Miles, took most of the credit for the surrender. And ultimately, Gatewood was transferred to remote stations in South Dakota and Wyoming. When he died in 1896, he was finally given an honor: a military funeral at Arlington Cemetery.
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