Prescott Grays, 1st Arizona Infantry, 1885

As neat and fashionable as any of the socially elite gray-uniformed National Guards units back east. I believe the background landscape is real Arizona, though.

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Buckey O'Neill later became a troop commander in the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry aka Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" where he was killed at San Juan Hill on July 1st 1898. I had no idea of his service in the Arizona Territorial Militia but I suppose that is why he became a captain in the US volunteers.

He was a major character in the 1997 made for tv movie "Rough Riders" played by Sam Elliot alongside Tom Berenger who played Teddy Roosevelt - 2 of my favorite actors.

I have some suspicions regarding the caption printed with this photo. The man at right does not appear to be a sergeant to me, but another officer. And the letters on the caps should presumably be PG, but they look more like MG.

All 3 figures are definitely officers, 1st Lt on the left, Capt in the middle, and 2nd Lt on the right ... perhaps the cameraman or author got confused. The 2nd Lieutenant (the so called "sergeant") appears to be wearing a Congressional Medal of Honor.

I saw an article in my local newspaper last week that referred to a US Coast Guard petty officer 1st class as a "private first class".

I believe it to be one of the veteran’s badges struck for and awarded by the Veteran Society, among others..
Sheriff's style star, ribbon surmounted by eagle badge. Hard to tell if the ribbon is stripped or flag design.
Medal of Honor's eagle is between the star and ribbon, unlike the badge shown.

If they are Prescott Greys then why "MG" on caps and not "PG"? Is this for Militia Greys or is this in fact some other unit? Perhaps one of our American members can enlighten us please?