Private Thomas Belcher, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on September 29, 1864 at Chapin's Farm, Virginia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company I, 9th Maine Infantry. Belcher was about 30 years old.
37 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on April 6, 1865.
Belcher was born in 1834 in Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine. Belcher died on May 22, 1898 in Augusta, Maine, at the age of about 64.
Belcher is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 66 credited to Maine.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Took a guidon from the hands of the bearer, mortally wounded, and advanced with it nearer to the battery than any other man.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Places
Timeline
- 1834Born in Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
- September 29, 1864Act of valor — Chapin's Farm, VirginiaAge about 30. Company I, 9th Maine Infantry
- April 6, 1865Medal of Honor presented
- May 22, 1898Died in Augusta, MaineAge about 64.
Biography
Private Thomas Belcher (c. 1834 – May 22, 1898) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Belcher was awarded the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Virginia on 29 September 1864. He was honored with the award on 6 April 1865. Belcher died on 22 May 1898 and is believed to be buried in Togus, Maine.
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