Sgt. Major Thomas R. Hawkins

Sgt. Major Hawkins rescued his flag during assault at New Market Heights, VA., September 29, 1864.  Five years after the war, he received Medal of Honor on February 8, 1870.  Born in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He entered the service in Philadelphia, Penn.; Hawkins was previously wounded at Petersburg, Va.  On June 15 he received 3 more wounds as he carried the flag safely from the field.  General Butler was so moved by the bravery of the United State Colored Troops he commented. In the charge on the enemys works by the colored division or the eighteenth corps, at Spring Hill and at New Marked, better men were never better led; better officers never led better men.

Written by: New Jersey State Library (c. Lawrence E. Walker Foundation Collection)