Thomas W. Custer was six years younger than his famous brother, George Armstrong Custer. The 16-year-old Thomas enlisted in September 1861 as a private in the 21st 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  

In spite of his humble beginnings, Thomas Custer distinguished himself in battle twice, for which he received two Medals of Honor.  With the 21st Ohio, Custer participated in major Western Theater action including the battles of Stone’s River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and the Atlanta Campaign. A capable young soldier, he obtained duty on the staff of Major General James Negley in April 1863. He remained in this position until mustering out in October 1864. 

Seeking further military service, Custer reenlisted, earning a promotion to second lieutenant. He also transferred to the 6th Michigan Cavalry, which served in Virginia. In the Eastern Theater, Thomas worked hard for his brother, Brigadier General George Custer, on staff in the Shenandoah Valley.  He fought bravely at Waynesboro, Dinwiddie Courthouse, and Five Forks--which led to a battlefield promotion to brevet major.  
 
During an engagement at Namozine Church on April 3, 1865, Custer captured a Confederate flag.  For this he received the Medal of Honor Three days later, Custer again demonstrated his valor at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek.  Astride his horse, Custer leapt over enemy works to capture two color standards.  He was wounded in his face and his horse was shot out from under him.  For this, Custer received a second Medal of Honor--the first of nineteen men so honored. In the Civil War, regimental flags, or colors, were of great military significance. They played a role in guiding troop movements amid the chaos of battle. The loss of a flag meant troop confusion, disarray, and the potential for taking friendly fire.  Also, the communities from which the regiment originated often paid for the flags, so they symbolized local pride and sentimentality for the soldiers. As flag capture meant low morale and shame, Custer’s double-flag capture took the honor of two enemy regiments. 

Custer continued his military career after the Civil War.  In 1866, commissioned as first lieutenant in the 7th U.S. Cavalry, he fought in the Dakota and Montana territories.  Promoted to captain in 1875, he took command of Company C.  By this time he and his brothers, George and Boston (b. 1848), all served in the 7th Cavalry. Their fates were united to the end. Following the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876, the bodies of the three Custer brothers were found near one another.  Thomas was initially buried on the battlefield, but in 1877 his remains were reinterred in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kansas. 

Captain Thomas W. Custer (Civil War) is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftleavenworth.asp. He received the Medal of Honor twice while serving in the U.S. Army, Company B, 6th Michigan Cavalry; first for capturing the flag at Namozine Church, Virginia, on May 3, 1865, and second for actions at Sailor’s Creek, Virginia, April 1865. Custer died in 1876 at the battle of Little Big Horn.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3041.   
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Custer wearing two Medals of Honor, c.1875.  Mead Army Museum, Amherst College.  

Studio portrait of George Armstrong Custer, Thomas Custer, and Elizabeth Custer, George's wife.

Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery

NCA Notable Person -- Thomas W. Custer.pdf

THOMAS W CUSTER

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