Charles M. Thatcher - Kalkaska, MI - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

Charles M. Thatcher
Date of Birth: 1844
Date of death December 13, 1900
Burial location:
Lot 206, Grave 2
Evergreen Cemetery
West and Third St, Kalkaska, MI


After weeks of preparation, on July 30, 1864, the Union soldiers exploded a mine in Burnside's IX Corps sector beneath Pegram's Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg in preparations for the fierce fighting later called the "Battle of the Crater". Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion. The rebels quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks. The break was sealed off, and the Union Army repulsed with more than 7,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. Twenty three soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor for their valor in this deadly battle, including Private Charles Thatcher. Instead of retreating or surrendering when the works were captured, regardless of his personal safety continued to return the enemy's fire until he was himself captured and taken prisoner.

Awarded for actions during the Civil War


The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Charles M. Thatcher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1864, while serving with Company B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, in action at Petersburg, Virginia. Instead of retreating or surrendering when the works were captured, regardless of his personal safety, Private Thatcher continued to return the enemy's fire until he was captured.
General Orders: Date of Issue: July 31, 1896

Action Date: July 30, 1864

Service: Army

Rank: Private

Company: Company B

Division: 1st Michigan Sharpshooters

Armed Service: Army

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