Coxswain Karl Thomas, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry between June 20 and 22, 1900 in China during the Boxer Rebellion. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Newark. Thomas was 29 years old.
27 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Thomas was born on March 17, 1871 in Germany — one of 130 recipients born in Germany. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Thomas died on July 18, 1900 in Taku (Field Hospital), China, at the age of 29. He is buried at San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.
Thomas is one of 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the Boxer Rebellion and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China, 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Thomas distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: Virginia Military Institute
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- March 17, 1871Born in Germany
- June 20 - 22, 1900Act of valor — ChinaAge 29. U.S.S. Newark
- July 18, 1900Died in Taku (Field Hospital), ChinaAge 29.
- Resting placeSan Francisco National CemeterySan Francisco, California
Biography
Karl Thomas (March 17, 1871 – July 18, 1900) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Karl Thomas”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
