Eugene M. Tinkham

Corporal Eugene M. Tinkham (April 19, 1842-October 21, 1909) was a soldier from Connecticut who fought in the American Civil War. Tinkham received the United States' highest medal for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Cold Harbor in Petersburg, Virginia on 30 July 1864. He was presented the medal on 5 April 1898.

Biography
Tinkham was born April 19, 1842 in Hanover, Connecticut and was enlisted into Company H, 148th New York Infantry from New York.

While fighting in the Battle of Cold Harbor on 30 July 1864, Corporal Tinkham, although wounded, voluntarily crept out between the lines and, while exposed to the severe fire of the enemy's guns at close range, rescued two wounded and helpless comrades. For his actions during this battle, he received the United States military's highest, and at that time only, medal for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. The medal was presented to him on 5 April 1898. Tinkham died October 21, 1909 in Connecticut and was buried in New Hanover Cemetery Hanover, Connecticut.