Peter Thompson (Medal of Honor)

Bringing water to the wounded at Little Big Horn

Peter Thompson was born in Scotland. He served as a private with Company C, 7th United States Cavalry.

On 25 June 1876 at Little Big Horn, Montana, Thompson volunteered to carry water to wounded soldiers. Although wounded during the effort, he made two further successful trips despite his sergeant's objections. He received the Medal of Honor on 5 October 1878.

Thompson died in December 1928 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He is buried in West Lead Cemetery in Lead. His medal is held by the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Medal of Honor citation

After having voluntarily brought water to the wounded, during which effort he was shot through the head, he made two successful trips for the same purpose, notwithstanding remonstrances of his sergeant.