Thomas C. Neibaur
United States Army Medal of Honor recipient
Died when: 44 years 220 days (535 months)Star Sign: Taurus
Thomas Croft Neibaur (May 17, 1898 – December 23, 1942) was the first Latter-day Saint (Mormon) to receive the Medal of Honor.He was also the first soldier from Idaho to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Neibaur was an automatic rifleman who served in France during World War I.On October 16, 1918, while in battle at Côté de Chatillion, while trying to eliminate a machine gun nest, Neibaur became surrounded by 15 German soldiers.
With a pistol, Neibaur killed four, and captured eleven.He received six medals for his bravery and "heroic exploits", as well as a purple heart.
Afflicted by the Great Depression, Neibaur had little money and couldn't feed his family.Neibaur eventually sent his medals to Congress stating, "I cannot eat them." Neibaur died three years later of tuberculosis.
Thomas C.Neibaur Veteran Park was dedicated in Sugar City, Idaho with a monument commemorating Neibaur.His war medals reside with the Idaho State Historical Society.
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