Call of the Bugle, 1965. Oil painting by James Kenneth Ralston (J. K. Ralston) (1896-1987), American painter of the Old American West. It shows Custer rallying the troops for the final defense of Last Stand Hill. Battle of the Little Bighorn (25 June 1876), facing the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes against the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army under George Armstrong Custer, which was defeated. Approximately 42 men, including Lieutenant Colonel Custer, died in the group on that hillside. Towards the end of the battle some soldiers attempted to reach the Little Bighorn River, dying in the vicinity of Deep Ravine. Scene of the last moments. Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center. Montana, United States. Author: Kenneth Ralston (J. K. Ralston) (1896-1987). American painter.