George W. Thompkins
George W. Thompkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 9, 1841 Otisville, Orange County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | February 22, 1934 (aged 92) Schenectady, New York, U.S. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Branch | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862-1865 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 124th New York Infantry Regiment |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
George W. Thompkins (April 9, 1841 - February 22, 1934), also known as George W. Tompkins, was a Union army soldier in the American Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions with the 124th New York Infantry ("Orange Blossoms") at the Battle of Fort Stedman.[1]
Early life
He was born in Otisville in Orange County, New York.[2]
Civil War
Thompkins enlisted in the Union army in the American Civil War on August 11,1862 at Port Jervis, New York, for a three year term.[3] He mustered in as a Private and on September 5, 1862 he was promoted to a Corporal.
Medal of Honor
Thompkins received his Medal of Honor (MOH) on April 6, 1865 for his actions in the Battle of Fort Stedman in Petersburg, Virginia.[4] He was one of five soldiers with the with the 124th New York Infantry to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the Civil War. The others were Sergeant Thomas W. Bradley, Private Archibald C. Freeman, Private Nathan M. Hallock and 1st Lieutenant Lewis S. Wisner. Private Freeman was the only other one to receive a MOH for the capture of a battle flag.[5]
Citation
For extraordinary heroism on 25 March 1865, while serving with Company F, 124th New York Infantry, in action at Petersburg, Virginia, for capture of flag of 49th Alabama Infantry (Confederate States of America) from an officer who, with colors in hand, was rallying his men.
Date Issued: 6 April 1865[6]
Death
He died on February 22, 1934 in Schenectady, New York and was buried in Vale Cemetery, Schenectady.[2][7] His name was spelled "George W. Tompkins" on his tombstone, which is his real name. He entered the military under the name "George W. Thompkins."
References
- ^ "Thompkins, George W. - The National Medal of Honor Museum". mohmuseum.org. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "George W. Thompkins | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "124th Infantry -Report of the Adjutant General" (PDF).
- ^ "Medal of Honor - United States Army". www.army.mil. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "124th Infantry Regiment :: New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center". museum.dmna.ny.gov. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ "George Thompkins - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "THOMPKINS". valecemetery.org. Retrieved May 22, 2025.