Serving as a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, Private Thomas Wilbur Kates received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 21, 1900 in Tientsin, China during the Boxer Rebellion. Kates was 35 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.
Kates was born on May 7, 1865 in Shelby Center, Orleans County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Kates died on May 6, 1931 in Flushing, New York, at the age of 65. He is buried at Flushing Cemetery in Flushing, New York. His medal is held by National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA.
Kates 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 presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900, Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- May 7, 1865Born in Shelby Center, Orleans County, New York
- June 21, 1900Act of valor — Tientsin, ChinaAge 35.
- May 6, 1931Died in Flushing, New YorkAge 65.
- Resting placeFlushing CemeteryFlushing, New York
Biography
Thomas W. Kates (May 7, 1861 – May 6, 1931) was an American Private serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Thomas Wilbur Kates”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
