There seems to be an argument about whether Custer was shot in the chest during an attempt to cross the river of Little Bighorn or if he died heroically at the top of the valley. Historians like to portray the latter side of this argument. To die in such an unexpected way before the battle started does not seem very heroic. However, throughout the written History of America, Custer has become a hero, so had to die appropriately; anything else would have been unacceptable.
The best part of this battle is when Custer finds the Indian village, finds no warrior in sight and while charging says to his troopers: "We caught them napping!"