Thomas J. Higgins
Born: June 8, 1831 at Riverlequerre, Quebec, Canada
Home Town: Barry, Illinois
Status: POW
Medal of Honor
American Civil War
U.S. Army
Date of Issue: April 1, 1898
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Thomas J. Higgins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 22 May 1863, while serving with Company D, 99th Illinois Infantry, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi. When his regiment fell back in the assault, repulsed, Sergeant Higgins continued to advance and planted the flag on the parapet, where he was captured by the enemy.