George Armstrong Custer graduated from West Point on June 24th, 1861, 34th out of a class of 34. His demerits totaled 192, eight short of the annual limit. He earned 726 demerits for his entire West Point career--the most of anyone in his class.

While he may not have excelled in formal education, he proved to be an effective military leader, participating in his first major engagement, the First Battle of Bull Run, on July 21, 1861, less than a month after his West Point graduation. He was brevetted to Brigadier General at 23, less than a week before he played a key role in the Battle of Gettysburg.

While he is remembered for his defeat in the Little Big Horn in the American Indian Wars, Custer was an able field commander. The Native American tribe coalition benefited from the leadership of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse and superior numbers.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org