George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Custer graduated from West Point and, though ch…George Armstrong Custer was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Custer graduated from West Point and, though characterized as an inept for having been last in his graduating class, actually finished 34th out of a starting class of 108 candidates. Following graduation, he worked closely with General George B. McClellan and the future General Alfred Pleasonton, both of whom recognized his ability as a cavalry leader. He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers aged 23. Only a few days afterwards, he fought at the Battle of Gettysburg, where he commanded the Michigan Brigade. Despite being outnumbered, Custer defeated J. E. B. Stuart's attack at East Cavalry Field.