births
June 8, 1831
Thomas J. Higgins, Canadian-American sergeant, Medal of Honor recipient (died 1917)

Thomas J. Higgins
Thomas J. Higgins was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War who was a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Vicksburg.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The medal is normally awarded by the president of the United States and is presented "in the name of the United States Congress." It is often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, though the official name of the award is simply "Medal of Honor."