George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer was an American army officer and cavalry commander whose life was marked by both glory and controversy. Born on December 5, 1839, Custer first made his mark during the American Civil War and later became a prominent figure in the Indian Wars. His legacy is forever intertwined with one of the most contentious battles in U.S. history—the infamous clash at Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876.

In a startling turn of events, he issued orders to shoot deserters without affording them due process. Custer’s dramatic journey reached a turbulent climax, much like the rest of his career, leaving his legacy fiercely debated. His tumultuous path included a court-martial at Fort Leavenworth, where he was convicted of misconduct in 1867, resulting in a suspension from his rank and pay for a year.