Roll of Honor
Incident
Private Richard Gilbert, Private Littleton Rattan, and Lieutenant Thomas Couzens were killed during a fight with Indians near the headwaters of the Nueces River.
The Rangers had pursued the Indians, who had stolen several horses from their camp. They engaged in hand-to-hand combat after a nine-day pursuit. Private Gilbert and Private Rattan were both killed during the fight. Lieutenant Couzens was struck by an arrow and died from his wounds on January 11th, 1848.
Such a tragic end for you all. I hope you are all resting in peace on this 177 year anniversary of your death Private Gilbert.. Know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Elizabeth Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen. Riverside County Sheriffs Department December 18th, 2024
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-EB89AD54- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
179 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Private Gilbert served with the Texas Rangers.
Thank you for your service to the Austin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Private Richard S. Gilbert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Texas Rangers, 104 of 122 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 85.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard S. Gilbert's cause is highlighted.
How Richard S. Gilbert Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard S. Gilbert is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard S. Gilbert was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
121 officers from Texas Rangers are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
