Walter Thorn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Thorn
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| Born | November 18, 1844 Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | July 20, 1920 (aged 75) Hampton, Virginia |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army New York National Guard |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 (Army) 1879–1883 (National Guard) |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | 116th U.S. Colored Troops |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Walter Thorn (born November 18, 1844 – died July 20, 1920) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered for his courage and for receiving the Medal of Honor. This special award was given to him on December 8, 1898. He earned it for his actions while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the 116th United States Colored Troops. This unit was unique because it had white officers leading African-American soldiers.
Contents
Walter Thorn's Early Life
Walter Thorn was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 18, 1844.
Joining the Military and Serving in the War
After finishing his education, Walter Thorn joined the army to fight in the Civil War. He first served in two different New York infantry units. Later, he became a Second Lieutenant in the 116th Regiment Infantry U.S. Colored Troops.
Thorn showed great bravery during the war. He even captured a Confederate officer in hand-to-hand combat. General Ulysses S. Grant, a very famous Union general, personally saw this brave act. By the end of the war, Thorn had reached the rank of Major.
Besides the Medal of Honor he received in 1898, Thorn earned other awards. In 1872, he received the Brooklyn War Fund Committee Medal of Honor. This was for his special acts of bravery in Virginia. He also got the Brooklyn War Service Medal in 1866.
Life After the Civil War
After the war, Walter Thorn became a lawyer in Brooklyn. He worked as an attorney for over 30 years. He also held several important government jobs. These included being a deputy sheriff and a deputy collector of internal revenue. He also worked as a shore inspector for the Port of New York.
In 1879, Thorn joined the New York National Guard as a Captain. He led a company of soldiers before leaving in 1883.
Thorn stayed involved with groups for war veterans. He was active in the Grand Army of the Republic. In the early 1900s, he became the commander of the Medal of Honor Legion. He also served as president of the War Veterans and Sons Association.
Later Years and Passing Away
In his later years, Walter Thorn lived and worked at homes for soldiers. One of these was in Bath, New York. Near the end of his life, he gave many of his medals and other important items to the American Numismatic Society.
Walter Thorn was the head librarian at the National Soldiers' Home in Hampton, Virginia. He passed away there on July 20, 1920. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many heroes are laid to rest.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- Other white officers in other USCT regiments: Thornton Chase, Edward Winslow Hinks, William Gould (W.G.) Raymond
