Theodore Goldin Honored in Wisconsin

[Diane Merkel]

Medal of Honor recipients recognized in Janesville walkway --

This is all the article has on Goldin:

Pvt. Theodore Goldin, 1855-1935

Born in Avon, Rock County; buried in Waupaca; entered service at Chicago.

Medal awarded in 1895.

At Little Big Horn, Mont., on June 26, 1876-the battle known as Custer's Last Stand-Goldin was one of a party of 19 volunteers who went for and brought water to the wounded under heavy fire from Indians.

Goldin served in Troop G of the 7th Cavalry. It fought separately from Custer's troop, which was wiped out. Goldin survived.

Source: The Janesville Gazette online, Saturday, November 12, 2005, www.gazetteextra.com/mohrecipients111205.asp

[El Crab]

Funny, considering Goldin campaigned to be given one, didn't he?

[Scout]

Goldin was somewhat of a scam artist. He made a number of claims which are suspect or have been proven to be totally false. Col. Graham wrote a very unflattering article on him in his classic ''The Custer Myth.'' And yes Crab, he campaigned for the MOH, which I remember correctly, was awarded him in 1895. A number of MOH were handed out to paricipants in 1878. Goldin 'campaigned' a long time for his....Did he deserve it? perhaps, but his other antics certaintly cast question marks on the event. Goldin also claimed to have been a messenger 'from' Custer to Reno....no one ever remembered him in that role. This was a flat out lie. He also most certaintly mislead Benteen in later years by embellishing his rank and tenure in the seventh. I am certaintly glad he did in that case or we would never have had Benteen's wonderful caustic and venmon filled letters, which showed Benteen's personality.

It's amazing how many actual participants of the battle embellished their roles in the event. Goldin may have claimed to have been one of the water party for so long...people assumed he was. If he was, why didn't he recieve his MOH in 78? Goldin had a very shaded personality.