Scouts under General Crook's command discover a force of Sioux and Cheyenne approaching Crook's column which is halted at the Rosebud River. The Indians engage Crook's command in a heated six-hour battle.

General Crook

Chief Crazy Horse

The US military advanced with a three-pronged attack, led by (then) Lt. Colonel Custer (under General Terry), General Crook, and Colonel Gibbon. Crazy Horse led the warriors as he had in 1866. On June 17, 1876, with about 1000 Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, he defeated General Crook's force of 1200 men in an extended battle filled with maneuver and generalship -- the Battle of the Rosebud -- where the Indians charged and retreated repeatedly, splitting up Crook's forces and keeping them on the defensive, and finally driving the troops into a desperate retreat.

In a book by Fred H Werner titled "Before The Little Big Horn", he identifies companies C, G and H as being part of the infantry battalion that took part in the battle. Here it's the report made out by Major Alex Chambers, who was in command of the Infantry battalion during the battle:

Sir:

I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the infantry battalion composed of Companies D and F 4th Infantry, and C, G and H 9th Infantry in the four days scout of the troops composing the B.H. and Y Expedition. The command left camp on Goose Creek, mounted on mules, at 6 o’clock AM and marched about thirty five (35) miles to headwaters of Rosebud. Marched the morning of the 17th about five (5) miles and camped. A short time after camping, shots were heard behind the bluffs in rear of camp, and cries that hostile Indians were coming. I sent as ordered, two companies, dismounted, to the edge of the bluffs to protect that point: posted as skirmishers. Shortly after the three (3) remaining companies formed a skirmish line on top of the ridge. After occupying this position for some time, I was ordered to have the battalion mounted, and marched to the crest of the ridge, which was done, as soon as the companies on the skirmish line could be recalled for that purpose, one returning for their animals, and the mules of the other companies, the men and animals being kept concealed as much as possible. The left of the cavalry line retiring closely pursued by the Indians. Two (2) companies of the 9th Infantry, G and H were sent to protect the withdrawal of cavalry. The three companies remaining there were sent as a skirmish line across the plateau to drive off a body of Indians, behind a conical hill, who kept up a constant fire. This was successfully accomplished, and the Indians disappeared. I then took up a position on the hill and remained until 7 PM when the command returned to camp on the banks of the river. The command marched next day in rear, to head of creek or branch of Tongue River twenty (20) miles. Next day twenty (20) miles, to near the camp left on the 16th. Each of the command performed this duty cheerfully and with credit. Casualties were, three enlisted men wounded of Company D 4th Infantry vis: Corporal James A. Devine wounded in head, Private John H. Terry severely wounded in left leg. Private Richard Flynn slightly wounded in left shoulder. For detailed reports I respectfully refer to reports of company commanders, enclosed.

In the Book "With Crook at the Rosebud" written by J.W. Vaughn, a complete roster of Company G is given, showing the individual soldiers, and their ranks who were present at the battle. It should be noted although the company was in some of the heavier fighting, no casualties were reported. Company strength at the time is listed at 36, with the commander being a Captain Thomas B. Burrowes.

Officers: Thomas B. Burrowes, Captain William L. Carpenter, 1st Lt Sergeants: John C. Rafferty, 1st Sergeant Frances Doyle, Sergeant Frederick Klein, Sergeant Frank McCarthy, Sergeant Corporals: James Delaney, Corporal Timothy O’Sullivan, Corporal Rudolph Ormann, Corporal Joseph S. Wrisley, Corporal Trumpeters: William Doody, Trumpeter Hugh Thomsom, Trumpeter Artificers: Joseph Holtz, Artificer

Privates: August Hocksmith, Private William R. Hardin, Private Micheal Healey, Private Frederick Lafine, Private Gineral A. Lee, Private Alexander M. Lowrie, Private Michael Murphy, Private John Anderson, Private John G. Newman, Private Richard L. Case, Private John Norton, Private Edward Conlin, Private Samuel Smith, Private Patrick Dwyer, Private John Thomas, Private William Ecrestain, Private Charles W. Wilson, Private William Faulman, Private Samuel H. Woollen, Private James Gaskill, Private Samuel C. Wynkoop, Private William E. Glick, Private Rudolph Zysset, Private

One officer and two privates were on detached service and were not part of the battle.