Thomas W. Kates (May 7, 1861 – May 6, 1931) was an American Private serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Boxer Rebellion who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Thomas Wilbur Kates
Born(1861-05-07)May 7, 1861
Shelby Center, New York
DiedMay 6, 1931(1931-05-06) (aged 69)
Allegiance United States
Branch
United States Marine Corps
Service years
1899–1903
Rank
Sergeant
Conflicts
Boxer Rebellion
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

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Kates was born May 7, 1861, in Shelby Center, New York and enlisted into the marine corps from the Marine Barracks in New York on July 21, 1899. After entering the Marine Corps he was sent to fight in the Chinese Boxer Rebellion.[2]

He received his Medal for his actions in Tianjin, China June 21, 1900 and the medal was presented to him on July 19, 1901.[2]

He was discharged from the marine corps May 19, 1903 in Brooklyn, New York.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

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Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 7 May 1865, Shelby Center, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 55, 19 July 1901.

Citation:

In the presence of the enemy during the advance on Tientsin, China, 21 June 1900, Kates distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. "THOMAS WILBUR KATES". cmohs.org. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "KATES, THOMAS WILBUR". Medal of Honor recipients, China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion). United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on December 14, 2007. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
  3. Karl Schuon (June 1963). U. S. Marine Corps biographical dictionary: the corps' fighting men, what they did, where they served. Franklin Watts, Inc. p. 117. Retrieved February 6, 2010. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
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