Karl Thomas

2.1. Early Life and Immigration

Karl Thomas was born on March 17, 1871, in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. During his early childhood, he briefly resided in Munich, Bavaria. In 1874, his family departed from Bonn and immigrated to the United States, settling in San Francisco, California. Two years later, in 1876, the entire family renounced their German citizenship and officially acquired U.S. citizenship.

2.2. Education and Naval Service

Thomas pursued an education at Brown University, where he studied public administration before leaving the program. He also attended military academies, including those in Virginia and Missouri. In 1895, Thomas enlisted in the United States Navy. He was assigned the rank of Coxswain and served as an enlisted sailor. By 1898, he had advanced in rank, although his specific promotions prior to his service as a Coxswain are not fully detailed.

2.3. Service in the Boxer Rebellion

In 1899, Coxswain Karl Thomas was deployed with the Allied forces to China to participate in the Boxer Rebellion suppression operation. He was actively involved in combat operations with the relief expedition during several key dates in June 1900, specifically on the 13th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. During these engagements, Thomas distinguished himself through his exemplary conduct and bravery in the face of the enemy.

2.4. Death and Interment

Karl Thomas was killed in action on July 18, 1900, while serving in the Boxer Rebellion. He succumbed to an attack by Boxer forces in Jinan, Shandong Province, Qing Dynasty. Following his death, Thomas's remains were initially transported to and interred in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Qing Dynasty. Approximately one year later, on July 19, 1901, his remains were reinterred in the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California, providing him a final resting place in the United States.

3.1. Actions Leading to the Award

Coxswain Karl Thomas's Medal of Honor was awarded for his meritorious conduct during the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China. His actions of valor occurred across several critical days in June 1900, specifically on the 13th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. During these periods of intense fighting and direct engagement with the enemy, Thomas consistently demonstrated remarkable bravery and exceptional performance, distinguishing himself among his comrades. These acts of heroism were deemed worthy of the nation's highest military honor.

3.2. Official Citation

The official citation for Karl Thomas's Medal of Honor reads as follows:
Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 17 March 1871, Germany. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 55, 19 July 1901.

In action with the relief expedition of the Allied forces in China 13, 20, 21, and 22 June 1900. During this period and in the presence of the enemy, Thomas distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.

4.1. Posthumous Honors and Memorials

As a recipient of the Medal of Honor, Karl Thomas was accorded full military honors. His reinterment on July 19, 1901, in the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco, California, serves as a permanent memorial to his service and sacrifice. This national cemetery is a place of honor for veterans and military personnel, ensuring that Thomas's contributions to the United States Navy and his bravery during the Boxer Rebellion are perpetually remembered.