Fred Finkel - LBH survivor or not?

[Trailrider]

Last night the H2 channel revived the controversy of whether Fred Finkel was an actual survivor of Custer's battalion at the LBH Battle. A couple of things brought up on the program that were not brought up in the book published some years ago, was the attempt to compare his signature with that of a Sgt. Finckle. In the opinion of at least one "expert", the two samples DID NOT match.

But one thing that they mentioned, but didn't follow up on was a statement by the alleged survivior that he had come up from Arizona prior to enlisting in the 7th Cavalry. The program did point out that many soldiers enlisted, then deserted, and subsequently re-enlisted at another post, usually changing the name under which they enlisted. They didn't follow up on the possibility of Finkel having done this, which is maybe why they can't find a record of his name. They pointed out that it was almost impossible for an enlisted man to transfer between regiments.

The thing that gets me is Finkel's comment about coming up from AZ, while he allegedly enlisted in the 7th in 1872. IIRC, the 7th was never in AZ...but the 3rd Cav WAS. Of course, if he used a different name having previously served with the 3rd, it would be impossible to track him...unless he had admitted to the prior service...and desertion.   

[Tascosa Joe]

The program was interesting, I watched it again last night.  The story is believable but I dont suppose the truth will ever be known.

[Shotgun Franklin]

He seemed to know a great deal about the starting parts of the battle and some about the lay of the land. The program I saw mentioned that a couple of the Hostiles said a Trooper had gotten away.

[Delmonico]

Hmmm, lets see, this show is on a network famous for "reality shows?"   Nope, didn't even bother to watch it, was it on before Pawn Stars or after Ancient Aliens?