William H. Thompkins

William H. Thompkins: The Buffalo Soldier Who Rescued Comrades Under Fire

When repeated rescue attempts failed under Spanish fire in Cuba, William H. Thompkins volunteered to make another attempt. His courage on 30 June 1898 earned him the Medal of Honor and a place among the distinguished Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th United States Cavalry.

Born on 3 October 1872 in Paterson, New Jersey, Thompkins joined the U.S. Army in August 1889. By the Spanish–American War he was serving with the 10th Cavalry, one of the Army's African American Regular Army regiments.

In June 1898, an American expedition carrying supplies and reinforcements for Cuban forces attempted to land near Tayabacoa. Spanish troops attacked the landing party, leaving wounded men stranded near the shoreline. Several efforts to reach them failed.

Thompkins joined Lieutenant George P. Ahern and fellow soldiers Dennis Bell, Fitz Lee and George H. Wanton in a renewed rescue effort. They approached the hostile shore and helped recover their comrades despite the danger posed by Spanish defensive fire.

For his actions, Thompkins was awarded the Medal of Honor on 23 June 1899. The official citation identifies him as a Private in Troop G, 10th U.S. Cavalry. He subsequently attained the rank of Sergeant.

Thompkins died in San Francisco in September 1916 and was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery. His courage at Tayabacoa remains an important part of the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their service during the Spanish–American War.

Medal of Honor citation

Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated.