Frank Dwight Baldwin was a career Army officer who spent time at nearly all the frontier forts in Kansas.
He
was a soldier who fought Native Americans but also understood their
plight and hardship. Baldwin also is one of only 19 men who have
received two Medals of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
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Frank Dwight Baldwin |
On Saturday, nearly 141 years after he served at Fort Larned, the sword
Baldwin wore was presented to Fort Larned National Historic Site by the
fort’s Old Guard, a volunteer and support group that provides funding
for special projects and promotes the fort’s history.
“The opportunity to get something like this is a once-in-a lifetime
opportunity,” said Leo Oliva, a Kansas historian and writer from
Woodston.
Baldwin was stationed at Fort Larned – where the sword
will be on permanent display – from May 1 through June 5, 1872, and
again from Oct. 29, 1872, to May 1873.
Read more: Fort Larned presented with Medal of Honor winner’s sword