The fault lies with Major Benteen. His orders were “come on and be quick” and to “bring the packs.” He did not. Other historians argue that if the 7th Calvary had, had sabers that; Major Reno could have riden into the Indian camp and using sabre tactics proved in the civil war routed the Indians. That is also a factor in Custer’s decision to make a stand instead of using the shock and awe tactics he was famous form. For the lack of a sabre the battle was lost.

If Benteen had gone forward, all of the 7th Cavalry would have been killed. He and Reno were lucky to have found some defensible high ground.

I will agree that “he” was lucky. But his job was to follow orders. We don’t know if they would have all been killed. We don’t know what will turn a battle or make the difference between winning and losing. But he had one job and he failed so we will never know. He was lucky… he wasn’t hung.

Leave no man behind.