The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private William H. Thompkins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 June 1898, while serving with Troop G, 10th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Tayabacoa, Cuba. Private Thompkins voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.