Private Thomas H. Gay, a soldier in the U.S. Army, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry between August 13 and October 31, 1868 vicinity of the Black Mountains, Arizona during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Gay was 20 years old.
30 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on July 24, 1869. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
Gay was born on June 8, 1848 in Canada — one of 60 recipients born in Canada. His Medal of Honor is credited to Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Gay died on February 28, 1895 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, at the age of 46. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Gay is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 265 credited to Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Bravery in scouts and actions against Indians.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- June 8, 1848Born in Canada
- August 13 - October 31, 1868Act of valor — Vicinity of the Black Mountains, ArizonaAge 20. Company B, 8th U.S. Cavalry
- July 24, 1869Medal of Honor presented
- February 28, 1895Died in Attleboro, MassachusettsAge 46.
- Resting placeWoodlawn CemeteryAttleboro, Massachusetts
