Custer's Striker

John Burkman spent nine years as orderly (striker) to General George Armstrong Custer. The last time Burkman saw the general, the orderly had just been told to remain with the pack train, as there was likely to be a lively fight with the Sioux and Cheyenne. It was noon on June 25, 1876 and Burkman watched as Custer and five companies of the Seventh Cavalry rode off into legend. Nearly fifty years later, Bud O'Donnell, a significant figure in the history of Montana, befriended Burkman and took extensive notes of his memories of Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Through the eyes of his devoted striker, you'll see a Custer that might surprise you. Often laughing, full of fun, at times irascible, and a loving husband. Burkman told many fascinating anecdotes about Armstrong and Libbie Custer, and O'Donnell captured them all in notes.