His roommate was wounded and disoriented, actually walking towards Apache gunfire. Augustus Walley asks his commander, "Can I rescue my bunkie?" (roommate). "Yes", came the reply, "and be careful!" His commander cared for Augustus - very much a soldier who was always at his side, and never shirked responsibility. Augustus mounted up and rode out ot pick up his bunkie. The Apaches did not fire on this rescue attempt. Instead they concentrated their gunfire on the other cavalry troops who were behind rocks and boulders. Augustus lifted his roommate onto his horse, swung up behind him, and rode back to the safety of his men. For this effort of bravery and courage under fire, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. This took place in 1881 in New Mexico, near the Cuchillo Negra Mountains during the Indian Wars.