Thomas M. Doherty

He rescued wounded comrades under fierce fire near Santiago.

Thomas M. Doherty emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1885. He worked as a coachman in Newcastle, Maine, before enlisting in the 21st U.S. Infantry in 1891. Based at Plattsburgh Barracks, he became a U.S. citizen in February 1897.

Doherty served as a corporal in Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry. At Santiago de Cuba on July 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, he helped rescue wounded soldiers from beyond the lines while exposed to heavy enemy fire. His conduct earned the Medal of Honor.

Born in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, on May 11, 1869, Doherty later attained the rank of drum major. He received his medal on June 22, 1899. After returning from Cuba in August 1898, he was hospitalized in Boston before rejoining his regiment. He went to Manila in April 1899 and served during the Philippine-American War, later transferring to the 15th Infantry. Recurrent illness led to prolonged stays in military hospitals in Arizona and Oklahoma Territory. In 1904 he transferred to the 4th Infantry and undertook administrative and ceremonial duties.

He arrived at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in April 1906. Before a planned transfer to Indiana, he died by suicide there on September 21, aged 37. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky. His Medal of Honor is preserved in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.

Medal of Honor citation

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