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Gunfire echoes across the Kansas plains, where desperate men take cover behind a hasty barricade of battered wagons and lifeless horses. With their ammunition dangerously low and hope dwindling, the situation looks grim—until one valiant soldier boldly steps forward, ready to embark on what appears to be a suicide mission.

Welcome to the gripping tale of the Battle of Little Coon Creek, set in September 1868. This extraordinary tale chronicles how Corporal Patrick "Patty" Boyle’s unrivaled bravery turned the tides in what seemed like a certain death sentence for his comrades. Historian Jeff Broome unveils how a typical dispatch run between frontier forts transformed into a desperate struggle when Boyle and Corporal Leander Herron stumbled upon their fellow soldiers under fierce attack by warriors along the Santa Fe Trail.

As the drama unfolds, we see Boyle make a heart-wrenching choice—handing over his weapons with the unforgettable words, "Here, boys, you want them more than I do." He then charges headfirst into enemy lines, determined to seek reinforcements. Meanwhile, the defenders are locked in a harrowing battle that stretches through the night, their ammunition dwindling to a mere twelve rounds by dawn. Just when hope is all but lost, an unexpected sight emerges on the horizon: cavalry soldiers, gallantly charging to the rescue, clad only in their white underwear, appearing like ghostly apparitions on the battlefield.

What’s even more captivating is what happened after the battle. Decades later, while Corporal Leander Herron was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, the memory of Boyle—who had tragically passed away before he could receive recognition—remains unadorned despite his incredible heroism. In his extensive research, Broome unearthed a rare gem: a 1930 radio interview featuring the then 85-year-old Leander Herron sharing his vivid memories of that fateful night, connecting us to this often-overlooked chapter of frontier history.

This tale is more than just a recounting of a military skirmish; it delves into the profound themes of sacrifice, duty, and the complex nature of heroism through the ages. For enthusiasts of the American frontier, military history, or tales of remarkable courage, Patty Boyle’s midnight ride is a powerful testament to the extraordinary individuals whose stories have shaped the West.
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