Sergeant John Martin, a retired scout of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment, spent decades in military service before settling into a modest home near historic Fort Henry. Originally from Italy, his real name was Martini, and he dedicated 30 continuous years to the army. He was also one of the few surviving soldiers who witnessed the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand.
His eyewitness account provides a firsthand perspective on one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The battle, fought on June 25, 1876, was a clash between the 7th Cavalry and a combined force of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. Martin’s account is especially significant because he was among the few survivors and held a unique vantage point during the fighting.
Martin served as a trumpeter in Troop H, 7th Cavalry, stationed at Fort Rice in the Black Hills. His unit received orders for an expedition against the Sioux, led by Sitting Bull. The Seventh Cavalry set out for the valley on the evening of June 24th. After a hard march, the troops set up camp and prepared to rest, but they were abruptly ordered to break camp and continue marching until daybreak.
After the discovery of a large Indian village was reported, General Custer called a meeting with his officers. It was decided to split the detachment into three battalions. Major Reno would command one and move forward to engage the Indians, who were thought to be fleeing. Custer would support him with his battalion, while Captain Benteen led his guard to deal with any escaping Indians.
The three battalions left on a bright morning, unaware of the danger ahead. After traveling roughly three miles, they came across numerous dead buffalo strewn across the plains. This suggested that the Indians had not yet returned from waiting for them. For unknown reasons, Major Reno turned toward the Little Bighorn and began the hunt.
Custer climbed a high hill and observed the Indian village in the valley. He then addressed the men, assuring them that this would be an easy endeavor. Custer called for a messenger, and an infantryman stepped forward. Custer asked about his troop, but the trooper’s reply did not satisfy him. Custer then pointed at Martin and said, “I want that man.”
When Custer asked about Martin’s troop, Martin replied, and Custer gave him a direct order: return without danger, report to him, and if he encountered Indians, stay with Reno and deliver the report with him. The message, written and signed by Custer’s assistant, read: “Big village. Come on, be quick. Bring packs.”
Custer’s forces had just entered the area when a group of yelling Indians attacked his small band. The order to dismount was given, and while one detachment guarded the horses, the rest fought valiantly against the Indians. The Indians then attacked the troops in charge of the horses, which resulted in chaos and a stampede. Despite the threat of retreat, the men fought and were determined to defend themselves.
Martin went to Captain Benteen first, giving him a stern message and alerting him to the attack. He then went to Major Reno, who was in a very agitated state. Reno exclaimed, “My God, Benteen, half my command has been killed.” Benteen urged the troops to move quickly toward Custer, but Reno thought it would be wiser for the two battalions to move forward together.
The two groups spent about five minutes together as Reno regrouped. Custer’s contingent had been taken between 12 and 1:00, and it was now around 3. The gunfire continued unabated until it momentarily stopped, and the troops tried to flee in a close-knit square with the wounded positioned in it. For hours, from 4 until 7:00, a relentless exchange of fire ensued on both sides.
In the grim aftermath, Martin clearly remembered coming across General Custer’s remains. He lay between two dead gray horses, his head resting against the body of one of the fallen soldiers. His clothing had been torn apart, and he bore two grievous bullet wounds, one through his stand and another in his left temple.
Martin described the Native American warriors as fierce and determined, fighting with a ferocity that caught the U.S. Army off guard. He also witnessed the collapse of Custer’s command structure, with officers and men fleeing in panic as the battle raged on. Martin had departed from Fort Lincoln with Custer’s regiment, and he described the mood among the soldiers as tense and anxious, with many knowing they were heading into hostile territory.
Martin was assigned to scout ahead and gather intelligence on the Native American forces, a job that put him in a unique position to observe the events of the battle. When the fighting was over, the survivors were left to tend to the wounded and bury the dead. Martin recounted how the Native American warriors treated the U.S. Army soldiers with a degree of respect and dignity, even in the midst of victory.
Custer and most of his men were killed, leaving behind only a few scattered survivors to tell the tale. Sergeant Martin’s testimony remains one of the most detailed and personal records of that day, offering a rare glimpse into the chaos and tragedy of the Seventh Cavalry’s final stand.