Hidden Heroes: The Other Custer

On June 25, 1876, Thomas Ward Custer, brother of George Armstrong Custer, died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was the first soldier to be awarded two Medals of Honor. He was found next to his brother horribly mutilated. An excerpt from the article:

"During the Civil War, battle flags were of the utmost importance in battlefield communications and signaling, and they played a pivotal role in rallying the morale of the soldiers in the ranks of both sides. At a time when “Rally ’round the flag!” was, quite literally, a command and represented much more than a mere catchphrase, regimental flags served as a source of fierce pride to soldiers and officers alike, and these banners inspired men to perform beyond their own expectations. As such, they were zealously protected in battle, with the flag-bearer revered and often protected unto death by his mates. The capture of an enemy battle flag represented one of the most daunting challenges of Civil War combat, requiring boundless initiative, extraordinary courage and extreme luck.

Tom was an officer on the staff of Colonel Henry Capehart of the Army of the Potomac’s 3rd Cavalry Division when he captured a 2nd North Carolina Cavalry flag at Namozine Church, at the outset of the Appomattox Campaign. Reportedly, he leapt his horse over a barricade, tore the flag out of the hands of a standard- bearer, and demanded the immediate surrender of the Rebels around him. Eleven soldiers and three officers complied. Although his horse was shot, Tom miraculously emerged without a scratch.


‘In the Most Gallant Manner’: Tom Custer received his first Medal of Honor for capturing this 2nd North Carolina Cavalry flag at the Battle of Namozine Church on April 3, 1865. (The American Civil War Museum)

After the battle, a justifiably proud Brevet Maj. Gen. George Custer, commanding the 3rd Division, wrote to his wife, Libbie: “God has blessed us with victory….Tom in the most gallant manner…captured the battle flag of the Second North Carolina Cavalry.” He then presciently predicted Tom would receive a Medal of Honor.

Tom repeated the feat at Sailor’s Creek three days later, charging on his horse while under heavy fire against entrenched infantry of Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell’s Corps and engaging several Rebels with only his pistol. Upon seeing a standard-bearer whose colors were serving as a rallying point, he redirected his efforts. As Colonel Capeheart wrote to Libbie Custer:

'Having crossed the line of temporary works in the flank road, we were confronted by a supporting line. It was from the second line that he wrested the colors, single-handed, and only a few paces to my right. As he approached the colors he received a shot in the face which knocked him back on his horse, but in a moment he was upright in his saddle. Reaching out his right arm, he grasped the flag while the color bearer reeled. The bullet from Tom’s revolver must have pierced his heart. As he was falling, Captain Custer wrenched the standard from his grasp and bore it away in triumph.'”