Thomas Ward Custer

Thomas Ward Custer was born on March 15, 1845 in New Rumley, Ohio. He enlisted in the union army at age 16. He was the first person in American history to receive the Medal of Honor twice and was the only person to receive both decorations for actions within the Civil War for bravery at Namozine Church on April 3, 1865 and Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865. Tom was the highest decorated union soldier in the Civil War and was the younger brother of General George Custer., During the exploits that earned him the second Medal of Honor he had his horse shot out from under him and was severely wounded in the face. In spite of his wounds he was determined to go back into the battle. His brother and commander George Custer, had him arrested in order to receive medical care. , Tom's army career started in the Civil War as a private in the 21st Ohio infantry he rose to brevet lieutenant colonel in the 6th Michigan cavalry at the young age of 20 and would go on to serve as captain in the 7th United States Cavalry after the Civil War., Tom and George Custer died together on June 25, 1876 at the Legendary Battle of the Little Big Horn, Montana. Tom is buried at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kansas.