Frank Charles High (June 7, 1875 – December 13, 1966) was a United States Army soldier received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Philippine–American War. High was one of thirteen members of Young's Scouts awarded the Medal of Honor for actions between May 13 and May 16, 1899.

Frank Charles High
Medal of Honor recipient
Born(1875-06-07)June 7, 1875
Yolo County, California
DiedDecember 13, 1966(1966-12-13) (aged 91)
Ashland, Oregon
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Army
RankPrivate First Class
UnitYoung's Scouts, Company G, 2nd Oregon Volunteers
Battles / warsPhilippine–American War
AwardsMedal of Honor

High was born in Yolo County, California,[1] where his family owned a ranch.[2] He enlisted in the Army from Picard, California,[1] and later arrived in Jacksonville, Oregon, from where he joined the 2nd Oregon Volunteers.[2] During the Philippine–American War, he was a member of Young's Scouts. On May 16, 1899, Filipino fighters set fire to an important bridge near San Isidro. The river could not be forded, so High and other scouts rushed across the burning bridge, despite intense enemy fire, and engaged the entrenched Filipino forces. For these actions, High was awarded the Medal of Honor.[2]

After returning home, High settled in Ashland, Oregon, where he lived until his death at age 91.[2] He is buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park in nearby Medford.[3] High Street in Ashland is named in his honor.[2]

Medal of Honor citation

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Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company G, 2d Oregon Volunteer Infantry. Place and Date: Near San Isidro, Philippine Islands, May 16, 1899. Entered Service At: Picard, California. Birth: Yolo County, California, Calif. Date of Issue: Unknown.

Citation:

With 21 other scouts charged across a burning bridge, under heavy fire, and completely routed 600 of the enemy who were entrenched in a strongly fortified position.[1]

See also

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References

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  This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. ^ a b c "Medal of Honor recipients - Philippine Insurrection". United States Army Center of Military History. January 27, 2009. Archived from the original on 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Since You Asked: Decorated soldier was in the Volunteer Infantry". Mail Tribune. Medford, Oregon. May 9, 2009. Archived from the original on 2016-11-18. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  3. ^ "Frank C. High". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2007-11-24.