He guided cavalry troopers against renegade Apaches in the Arizona Territory during Crook's winter campaign of 1872-73 and was one of ten scouts who later received the Medal of Honor for gallantry.

In one of these engagements, Nantaje led a group of sharpshooters to the mouth of a cave to ambush a number of Yavapai hiding there.

By the end of the day Nantaje and the other scouts had helped rout the Indians in the cave, seventy-six of whom were killed.

All 10 Indian scouts, including Nantaje, received the award[1][2][3] on April 12, 1875,[4][5] for "gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches".

[6][7] The other scouts included William Alchesay, Blanquet, Chiquito, Elsatsoosu, Jim, Kelsay, Kosoha, Machol and Nannasaddie.