Thomas J. Graves

He rescued wounded men under enemy fire at El Caney in Cuba.

Thomas J. Graves earned the Medal of Honor at El Caney, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. A private in Company C, 17th U.S. Infantry, he helped rescue wounded soldiers from in front of American lines under heavy enemy fire during the Spanish-American War.

Born in Milton, Indiana, on September 29, 1866, Graves later attained the rank of quartermaster sergeant. His Medal of Honor was presented on June 22, 1899.

Graves died on January 27, 1944, and is buried at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in East Germantown, Indiana. His medal is held by the Cambridge City Public Library’s history room.

Medal of Honor citation

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.