Rank: First Lieutenant (Highest Rank: Brevet Major)
Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
Unit/Command: Company A, 1st New York Cavalry
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: May 2, 1863
Medal of Honor Action Place: Chancellorsville, Virginia, USA
Citation
Volunteered to ascertain the character of approaching troops; rode up so close as to distinguish the features of the enemy, and as he wheeled to return they opened fire with musketry, the Union troops returning same. Under a terrific fire from both sides, Lt. Thompson rode back unhurt to the Federal lines, averting a disaster to the Army by his heroic act.
Additional Details
Accredited to: New York, New York
Awarded Posthumously: No
Presentation Date & Details: November 27, 1896
Born: April 15, 1834, Fulton, Oswego County, NY, United States
Died: September 29, 1912
Buried: Holy Sepulchre St. John & Paul Cemetery (PM) (10), East Orange, NJ, United States