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Service Profile
- Branch
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Rank
- Sergeant
- Service Era
- Boxer Rebellion
- Medals Recorded
- 2
Awards & Decorations
Ribbon Rack
Biography
He advanced through enemy fire at Tientsin with the Marines.
Thomas Wilbur Kates earned the Medal of Honor as a Marine private during the China Relief Expedition. His citation recognized meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin on June 21, 1900. He later attained the rank of sergeant.
Born in Shelby Center, New York, on May 7, 1865, Kates died in Flushing on May 6, 1931. He was buried at Flushing Cemetery. His brief citation records his distinguished service without detailing an individual tactical action.
Medal of Honor citation
In presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900, Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.
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