Jules Garesche "Gary" Ord (September 9, 1866 – July 1, 1898) was a United States Army First Lieutenant who was killed in action after leading the charge of Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th U.S. Cavalry up San Juan Hill.

History now records that Ord was responsible for the "spontaneous" charge that took the San Juan Heights during the Spanish–American War in Cuba on July 1, 1898.

His father was a career military officer who was a hero in the Civil War and had served as a Major General of Volunteers.

[1] His life in the west was one of which his father was a senior military officer, a decorated Civil War hero and he was doted upon by his mother.

His elder brother James was at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

His father began a second career that built the Mexican Southern Railroad from Texas to Mexico City.

In July 1883 his father died in Havana, Cuba of yellow fever while en route from Vera Cruz, Mexico to New York City.

[2] He took and passed a two-day exam in which he received a commission to Second Lieutenant with the 18th United States Infantry effective on November 6, 1890.

John Bigelow had once dated Ord's elder sister Roberta (Bertie) and despite encouragements from both families the relationship waned.

[5] Most of the 10th supported by elements of the 24th and 25th colored infantry on the left would take San Juan Hill, which was the main Spanish defensive position with several block houses.

When Roosevelt tried to direct his volunteers down and across the steep draw to San Juan Hill, his men balked.

Later came the myth that "the regulars" would not obey Roosevelt and caused a delay in taking San Juan Hill.

"Black Jack" Pershing who fought with the 10th to the top of Kettle Hill and was present when Roosevelt arrived.

[3] On July 1, 1898, the commander of D Troop, 10th Cavalry, Captain Bigelow was in a quandary like many of the officers that waited below the San Juan Heights.

Bigelow's temporary second in command was First Lieutenant Ord of the 6th Infantry Regiment and then detailed to the staff of General Hawkins as his "aide-de-camp".

Because of his connection, Ord volunteered and went to Brigadier General Hamilton S. Hawkins seeking permission to attack.

[3] The black Buffalo soldiers of the 10th then rose from where they had been hiding from the Spanish fire and began a stride toward the steep heights.

Several soldiers present reported that he encouraged them with, "Men, don't stop for me, just keep up the charge until you get to the top of the hill."

His men did so and were able to take the main block house and provided covering fire for those attacking adjacent to them.

[3] Ord was reportedly the first officer to reach the top and began directing supporting fire when he was hit in the throat, mortally wounded.

[3] Black First Sergeant Givens then took command of D Troop on San Juan Hill and held his position until relieved.

Major "Black Jack" Pershing, recent regimental quartermaster, who had charged up Kettle Hill, was given temporary command of D Troop after the fighting ceased.

Ultimately, both men were laid to final rest at Arlington National Cemetery in section 2 with others of their family.

[6] His brother, then Captain Edward Otho Cresap Ord, II (1858–1923) then of the 22nd Infantry Regiment fought at Santiago July 3–17, 1898.