William Creitz of Holton, Kansas, was mustered into Company A, 5th Kansas Cavalry, on July 16, 1861, as a first lieutenant; he was promoted to captain and company commander on September 11, 1861.

The 5th Kansas Cavalry was organized on July 12, 1861, at Leavenworth, Kansas, and fought in the 1863 battles of Helena and Pine Bluff, and the campaign to capture Little Rock.

Creitz mustered out of service on August 11, 1864, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31778