LEAD - A group of history buffs in western South Dakota hope to better honor a Medal of Honor recipient who fought in the Indian Wars.

Peter Thompson's grave is in the West Lead Cemetery. Vernon Davis is a 79-year-old Navy veteran who wants to add a flag pole and flag to the grave site, as well as a light to illuminate the site for portions of the year.

Davis tells the Rapid City Journal that Thompson "deserves a hero's grave" because helped wounded soldiers when he himself was wounded.

Thompson was in the command of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, who died in 1876's Battle of the Little Bighorn.

History buff Jeannine Guern says Thompson didn't die that day because his horse gave out. Thompson died in Hot Springs in 1928.

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