Simon Suhler
(1844 - 1895)
Simon Suhler was a Jewish American soldier who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in honor of his valor during the Indian Wars.
Suhler, who was born in Bavaria, enlisted in the 32nd Indiana Regiment at the outset of the American Civil War. Wounded and captured by Confederate forces at the Battle of Shiloh (Tennessee), Suhler later deserted from his unit and served for the remainder of the Civil War in the 11th Heavy Artillery under the name of Simon Neustadle.
After the Civil War, Suhler joined the 8th Cavalry Regiment under the assumed name Charles Gardner. In late summer 1868, Suhler displayed bravery in scouts and actions against Apache Indians in Arizona and was later awarded the Medal of Honor, America's highest military decoration.
Suhler died in 1895 and was buried at San Antonio National Cemetery.
Sources: Jewish Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, compiled by Seymour "Sy" Brody
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