Thomas Boyne facts for kids

Thomas Boyne was a brave American soldier. He was born in 1849 and passed away on April 21, 1896. He was a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army. Thomas Boyne received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in America. He earned it for his actions during the American Indian Wars in the western United States.

Thomas Boyne's Military Journey

Serving in the Civil War

Thomas Boyne was born in Prince George's County, Maryland. He joined the army in 1864, during the American Civil War. He was part of an artillery unit called the Second Colored Light Artillery.

Boyne fought in important battles near Richmond in 1864. These included battles at Wilson's Wharf and City Point, Virginia.

Heroic Actions in the Indian Wars

After the Civil War, Boyne left the army in 1866. A few months later, he joined the 40th Infantry. This unit later became the 25th Infantry. He served there until 1875.

In 1875, he joined the 9th Cavalry. This group was known for its brave soldiers.

Earning the Medal of Honor

In 1879, Boyne was a Sergeant in the 9th Cavalry in New Mexico. His troop was chasing a Native American leader named Chief Victorio. This was just before a conflict known as Victorio's War.

Sergeant Boyne showed great bravery in two battles. The first was in the Mimbres Mountains on May 29, 1879. The second was near the Cuchillo Negro River on September 27, 1879.

For his courage in these actions, Sergeant Boyne was given the Medal of Honor. He received this special award on January 6, 1882. He had participated in many battles with the Apache people.

Later Years and Retirement

Later, Boyne helped the cavalry remove settlers from Native American lands in Oklahoma. During the winter of 1884-1885, he suffered from frostbite because of the cold.

In 1885, Boyne joined the 25th Infantry again. He was stationed in the Black Hills in the Dakota Territory. In 1888, while working in Montana, he developed a health issue.

The Army discharged him in January 1889, and he received a disability pension. Thomas Boyne moved to the U.S. Soldiers' Home. He passed away on April 21, 1896, due to an illness. He was buried at the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery in Washington, D.C..