Pvt Gillette enlisted into the US Army October 1, 1873 in Detroit MI. He was described as 5-5, blue eyes, light hair & fair complextion. His civilian occupation teacher.

On October 22, 1873, Gillette reported for duty at Ft Totten in the Dakota Territory & was assigned to Company I, 7th US Cavalry. Company I was commanded by Capt Myles Keogh. Gillette's daily duties was post hospital nurse.

At the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Company I was attached to LTC George Armstrong Custer's battalion. Gillitte was killed during the fighting.

Two days after the battle burial details found most of Company I in an area between Calhoun Ridge & Last Stand Hill. Archeological digs revealed evidence of heavy fighting in the area of the company's last postion.

It is likely Gillette's unidentified remains were first buried where they had been found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were moved to a mass grave on Last Stand Hill.

David C Gillette