Medal of Honor recipient moved to distinguished final abode at Leavenworth National Cemetery | FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – In life, Sergeant Robert McPhelan was honored with the highest honor bestowed on bravery and valor. Upon his death, he was placed in a “potter’s field” at Calvary Cemetery in Lansing, Kansas.
Sgt. McPhelan, an Irish immigrant, received his Medal of Honor in 1877 for his role in the Indian campaigns of the time, particularly the Battle of Cedar Creek, Montana. It resulted in the surrender of Sitting Bull.
The army soldier landed at Fort. Leavenworth, where he served until he died of war wounds in 1884. He is laid to rest in some part of a Lansing cemetery.
“We don’t know why he ended up there, if he didn’t have the funds or if he fell out with the church,” said Michelle Cebe, regional coordinator for Wreaths Across America.
“No veteran should be in the realm of a potter, and especially a Medal of Honor recipient.”
It was one of Cebe’s volunteers who came across the grave while searching the cemetery for eligible graves for Christmas wreaths. When the organization learned of the discovery, it set to work raising funds for Sgt. McPhelan’s remains have been moved to a place of honor: Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Meanwhile, in Denver, a great-great-granddaughter had left for work 10 years earlier to learn more about the family’s veteran. Lori Rogers was doing genealogy when she discovered it.
“Since we found him, we can’t talk about him without choking.
The organizers of his re-internment wanted the family to give their approval and be there for all military honors accompanying Sgt. McPhelan at his new home. Using genealogy techniques, they tracked down Rogers and she and other family members couldn’t be more grateful. Another great-great-granddaughter and a great-granddaughter three times traveled to Leavenworth to participate in the ceremonies.
Accompanied by members of the Patriot Guard and others, Sgt. McPhelan’s remains were taken to Leavenworth National Cemetery to join thousands of veterans.
A 21-gun salute, ceremony and shots on a beautiful spring day were a welcome relief to the family and others who worked to bring the Medal of Honor winner home.
“We were back here six years ago and said the same thing out loud,” Rogers recalls. “We wish it could be moved. And someone overheard us. Six years later.
She looked skyward when she said those words. Whether it’s divine intervention or sheer luck and care, Sgt. McPhelan received a hero’s farewell and a new place of honor.