Born:  January 11, 1844 at Brooklyn, NY

Entered Service in the US Army from Lafayette, IN

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism May 06, 1864 at Wilderness Campaign, VA

In May 1863 after assuming command of the Union Army, General Grant launched his offensive against Confederate General Robert E. Lee, marching towards Richmond, Virginia. By May 5 most of Grant's army had crossed the Rapidan River, where for three days they engaged the Confederate forces in the opening battles of the "Wilderness Campaign". On the second day of that battle Sergeant William Thompson personally engaged a Confederate color bearer, capturing the flag of the 55th Virginia Infantry (Confederate States of America) and earning a Medal of Honor. He was killed in action at the Wilderness the following October, two months before his Medal of Honor was awarded.