Thomas W. Stivers

Carried water through enemy fire to the wounded on Reno Hill

Thomas W. Stivers was born in Madison County, Kentucky, on 15 July 1850, the son of John and Mary Frances Stivers. He worked as a clerk in Mount Vernon before joining the United States Army in 1871. Assigned to Company D, 7th Cavalry, he served on the western frontier.

At Little Bighorn, Montana, on 25 and 26 June 1876, Stivers volunteered to bring water to wounded soldiers on Reno Hill while exposed to enemy fire. The water carriers crossed open ground to reach a ravine leading to the river, then carried filled camp kettles back to the wounded. His conduct earned the Medal of Honor.

Stivers left the Army in August 1876 and returned to Kentucky, where he attempted to establish a business. He died at Kingston on 28 June 1877 and was buried in Richmond Cemetery. His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously on 5 October 1878.

Medal of Honor citation

Vountarily brought water to the wounded under fire.