George Kretsinger

Biography

George Kretsinger answered the call to arms during the Civil War as a young man from Illinois, and he became known among his comrades for daring and discipline in cavalry operations. At Baxter Springs, Kansas, his actions in the face of danger—seizing an enemy flag and refusing to yield—earned him the nation’s highest military honor decades later.

After the war he made his home in Chicago, where he remained devoted to his fellow veterans, keeping their memories alive through associations and reunions. His courage and humility marked him as a beloved figure who embodied duty and loyalty.