George Armstrong Custer: Difference between revisions

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Custer graduated from [[United States Military Academy|West Point]] and though he has been misleadingly characterized as an inept student for having been last in his graduating class, he actually finished thirty-fourth out of a starting class of one hundred and eight candidates.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ambrose |first1=Stephen E. |title=Crazy Horse and Custer: The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors |date=1996 |publisher=First Anchor |pages=Chapter 6}}</ref> Following graduation, he worked closely with General [[George B. McClellan]] and the future General [[Alfred Pleasonton]], both of whom recognized his ability as a cavalry leader. He was subsequently promoted to [[Brigadier general (United States)|brigadier general]] of volunteers at age 23. Only a few days after his promotion, he fought at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]], where he commanded the [[Michigan Cavalry Brigade]]. Despite being outnumbered, Custer defeated [[J. E. B. Stuart]]'s attack at what is now known as [[Battle of Gettysburg, third day cavalry battles|East Cavalry Field]].