Benteen

Reno and Benteen on Reno Hill Bloody Knife Atop the bluffs, known today as Reno Hill, Reno's shaken troops were joined by Captain Benteen's column (Companies D, H and K), arriving from the south.

According to this theory, by the time Custer realized he was badly outnumbered, it was too late to break back to the south where Reno and Benteen could have provided assistance.

As of December 2006, a total of ten warrior markers have been added (three at the Reno-Benteen Defense Site, seven on the Little Bighorn Battlefield).

Benteen displayed calmness and courage by exposing himself to Native fire and was hit in the heel of his boot by a Native bullet.

Benteen's apparent reluctance to reach Custer prompted later criticism that he had failed to follow orders.

By dividing his forces, Custer could have caused the defeat of the entire column, had it not been for Benteen's and Reno's linking up to make a desperate yet successful stand on the bluff above the southern end of the camp.

Custer was on the verge of abolishing the wings led by Reno and Benteen, and the inclusion of Brisbin would have complicated the arrangement he had in mind.

Field data showed that possible extractor failures occurred at a rate of approximately 1:30 firings at the Custer Battlefield and at a rate of 1:37 at the Reno-Benteen Battlefield.

Finally, Custer may have assumed that in the event of his encountering Native Americans, his subordinate Benteen with the pack train would quickly come to his aid.

Reno and Benteen's wounded troops were given what treatment was available at that time; five later died of their wounds.

Reno-Benteen Defensive Position After giving orders to mount, dismount and mount again, Reno told his men, "All those who wish to make their escape follow me," and led a disorderly rout across the river toward the bluffs on the other side.

Reno credited Benteen's leadership with repulsing a severe attack on the portion of the perimeter held by Companies H and M. Reno Court of Inquiry.

The other entrenched companies eventually followed Weir by assigned battalions, first Benteen, then Reno, and finally the pack train.

This force had been on a lateral scouting mission when it had been summoned by Custer's messenger, Italian bugler John Martin (Giovanni Martini) with the hand-written message "Benteen.

Three companies were placed under the command of Major Marcus Reno (A, G, and M), and three were placed under the command of Capt. Frederick Benteen (H, D, and K).

Two men stay on, invalid Cracker Will Benteen, and Ashley Wilkes, whose spirit is broken.

While the gunfire heard on the bluffs by Reno and Benteen's men was probably from Custer's fight, the soldiers on Reno Hill were unaware of what had happened to Custer until General Terry's arrival on June 27. They were reportedly stunned by the news.