Charles M. Thatcher

Charles M. Thatcher July 25, 1847 – December 13, 1900) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Thatcher received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.^[1] Thatcher's medal was won for his heroism in the Battle of the Crater in Virginia on July 30, 1864.^[1] He was honored with the award on July 31, 1896.^[2]

Charles M. Thatcher
Born	July 25, 1847 Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan, USA
Died	December 13, 1900 Kalkaska, Kalkaska County, Michigan, USA
Buried	Evergreen Cemetery, Kalkaska, Kalkaska County, Michigan, USA
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Army rank = Private
Unit	Company B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters
Battles / wars	Battle of the Crater American Civil War
Awards	Medal of Honor

Thatcher was born in Coldwater, Michigan, and entered service On 5 Dec 1862 at Grand Haven, he enlisted giving his age as 18. It was in fact actual age 15 years 4 months 12 days. He was buried in Kalkaska, Michigan.^[1][2]

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Charles M. Thatcher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1864, while serving with Company B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, in action at Petersburg, Virginia. Instead of retreating or surrendering when the works were captured, regardless of his personal safety, Private Thatcher continued to return the enemy's fire until he was captured.^[1]

See also

• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: T–Z

References

1. "Charles M. Thatcher". Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
2. "Civil War (T-Z) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved July 1, 2014.^{[permanent dead link]}