Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Scotland, December 28, 1858, he served as a Private in Company C, 7th US Cavalry under Colonel George Custer. On June 25, 1876, he took part in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Montana. Had his horse not given out on the bluffs above the river as the regiment reached the battlefield, Private Thompson would have died with Custer. As it was, Thompson and a companion fell behind, but continued on toward the river. Unable to rejoin their own company, the two later climbed back up the bluffs and joined surviving elements of the regiment. Thompson took part in other parts of the battle and was wounded twice. In spite of his wounds, he made trips outside the lines to obtain water for the wounded while continuing to fight hostile Indians. For courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1878. After an honorable discharge, he resided in Hot Springs, South Dakota and was a rancher until his death of heart failure on December 3, 1928.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Scotland, December 28, 1858, he served as a Private in Company C, 7th US Cavalry under Colonel George Custer. On June 25, 1876, he took part in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Montana. Had his horse not given out on the bluffs above the river as the regiment reached the battlefield, Private Thompson would have died with Custer. As it was, Thompson and a companion fell behind, but continued on toward the river. Unable to rejoin their own company, the two later climbed back up the bluffs and joined surviving elements of the regiment. Thompson took part in other parts of the battle and was wounded twice. In spite of his wounds, he made trips outside the lines to obtain water for the wounded while continuing to fight hostile Indians. For courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1878. After an honorable discharge, he resided in Hot Springs, South Dakota and was a rancher until his death of heart failure on December 3, 1928.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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