James V.S. Paddock was born in Princeton, Illinois is 1856 and graduated 17th in his class at the United States Military Academy in 1873. In late September 1879, While on a routine march in Colorado, his company was ambushed by Utes. Paddock and his men endured an almost week long siege, with Paddock seriously wounded. He survived a long hospitalization in Colorado and Wyoming Territory, and eventually was assigned to the Cavalry and Infantry School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1891, in the midst of a court martial trial for misuse of funds, the Army offered Paddock an honorable discharge. Paddock lived most of the remainder of his life in Chicago, writing and speaking about military affairs. He death in 1908 was partially contributed to his lingering wounds. Paddock's exploits inspired his younger brother, Richard, to embark on a military career as a Cavalry officer that included a close friendship with John Pershing (his eventual brother-in-law), decorations for battle at San Juan Hill, and an early death while serving in China in 1901.
From the description of Personal Account of Lt. James V.S. Paddock of the Battle of Milk Creek and supporting materials. (Pritzker Military Library). WorldCat record id: 316237956
