Union Army 2nd Lt. Thomas N. Graham

September 16, 1837 - February 4, 1911
Westville, Ind.

Thomas N. Graham was a Union Army soldier in the American Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism shown on November 25, 1863, at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. 

Serving with Company G of the 15th Indiana Infantry Regiment, he led his men with great courage and determination, even as the Confederate forces pushed them back. In the face of overwhelming odds, Graham refused to give up and rallied his troops to push forward. He picked up the colors from a fallen comrade and planted the flag on the Confederate breastworks. In doing so, he exposed himself to enemy guns to turn the tide of the battle. It was this act of bravery that earned Graham the Medal of Honor. His selfless actions on that fateful day saved countless lives and ensured a Union victory at Missionary Ridge. After the war, Graham returned home to Indiana, where he lived a quiet life. His community honored him and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1897, almost 34 years after the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Graham passed away on February 4, 1911, at 73. He was buried with full military honors at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.

Medal of Honor recipients were nominated by Rick A. Richards.