despite his heroism, captain beyer was furious with day for disobeying orders and his commanding officer, lieutenant colonel nathan dudley, wanted to court-martial him. however, day was later cleared by a board of inquiry and subsequently received the medal of honor on may 7, 1890. john denny and second lieutenant robert temple emmet, who like day had graduated from west point in 1877, also received the medal of honor for their actions at las animas canyon.