Clifford Thomson (April 15, 1834 - September 29, 1912) was an American soldier who fought as a First Lieutenant with the 1st New York Cavalry in the American Civil War.[1] He was awarded the medal for actions at the Battle of Chancellorsville.[2]

Thomson was later promoted to major and reassigned to the 5th United States Colored Cavalry.

After the war, he became a companion of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Thomson was born in Fulton, Oswego County, New York[3] and was buried in Holy Sepulchre, St. John & Paul Cemetery in East Orange, New Jersey.

Medal of Honor Citation

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Volunteered to ascertain the character of approaching troops; rode up so closely as to distinguish the features of the enemy, and as he wheeled to return they opened fire with musketry, the Union troops returning same. Under a terrific fire from both sides Lieutenant Thomson rode back unhurt to the Federal lines, averting a disaster to the Army by his heroic act.[4]

Date Issued: 27 November, 1897[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Clifford Thomson | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
  2. ^ Cook, Joan (1988-05-29). "History Buff Tracking Medal of Honor Holders". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
  3. ^ Groom, Debra J.; Post-St, The; ard (2011-05-29). "On the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, more about some Central New Yorkers who earned their country's highest tribute". syracuse. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
  4. ^ "Medal Of Honor Details - The Civil War (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
  5. ^ "Clifford Thomson - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2021-05-22.