Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
Henry
Tompkins
September 12, 1830

–

January 18, 1915

Cemetery:

Oak Hill Cemetery

Charles Tompkins attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and was a non-graduating member of the Class of 1851. He was the FIRST combat officer to perform a heroic deed for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor. His grandson Francis Parker Tompkins graduated from West Point in 1918, and earned a Silver Star in World War II.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Cavalry)

    Division:

    2d U.S. Cavalry

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1861
    Date of Issue: November 13, 1893

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Charles Henry Tompkins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 1 June 1861, while serving with 2d U.S. Cavalry, in action at Fairfax, Virginia. First Lieutenant Tompkins twice charged through the enemy’s lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy’s captain.