Distinctly Montana Magazine

53 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m the ferocious firefight that erupted at Kollmar Creek. Outnum- bered and temporarily isolated, the Third Cavalry incurred all of the nine fatalities, as well as 16 of 21 wounded soldiers, listed in Army reports. Company L, led by Captain Peter Vroom, paid the highest price, suffering five fatalities and three wounded in close-quarters, often hand-to-hand, combat. Medals of Honor were awarded to first sergeants Michael A. McGann of Company F, Joseph Robinson of Company D, and John Henry Shingle of Company I for gallantry exhibited at Kollmar Crossing. Elmer Alonson Snow, the 24-year-old bugler of Company M, also received a Medal of Honor for his harrowing ride, while severely wounded, across the Gap. A topographic feature that is clearly visible due north of the park's entrance, the "Gap" is flanked by highlands to its east and west. This wide notch forms a natural corridor through which Lakota and Cheyenne forces launched their initial assault on Crook's column. High ground adjacent to this area was fiercely contested throughout various portions of the engagement, but the Gap itself was subsequently traversed only by the bravest of the brave. Therein, a handful of warriors conducted "bravery runs," a quintessential expression of the Plains Indian warrior tradition. Such men rode across open ground, often repeatedly, for the express purpose of drawing heavily concentrated fire upon them- BOZEMAN • BUTTE • HELENA • GREAT FALLS We're here to assist in diagnosing and treating all conditions of the skin, hair, and nails for the whole family, including: YOUR DERMATOLOGISTS local • Skin cancer screening, prevention, and treatment • Teen and adult acne • Eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis • Sun damage and melasma • Hair loss and hair thinning • Cosmetic services, products, and more (855) 300-8510 E P I P H A N Y D E R M A T O L O G Y . C O M C A L L O R S C A N T O S C H E D U L E

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