On this day in history April 26, 1872 William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody became one of only four civilian scouts awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars for valor in action. Though later removed from the rolls in 1917, his honor was officially restored in 1989 by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records.
What many may not know is that Buffalo Bill was also a devoted Freemason. He was initiated into Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 on March 5, 1870, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on April 2, 1870. He later continued his Masonic journey through the York Rite, becoming a Knight Templar in 1889, and received the 32° in the Scottish Rite in 1894.
A reminder that men of courage, service, and character have long found fellowship within the Craft.
h/t – Smithfield Masonic Lodge #182, of Smithfield, Ohio