Charles Lawrence Thomas (February 12, 1843–February 24, 1923) was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in September 1865 during the Powder River Expedition in Montana and Dakota Territory.

Thomas served in the West along the Overland Road for the duration of the Civil War, earning a promotion to Corporal in February 1864.

Corporal Thomas and the three other unnamed men left Conner's camp at 7 a.m. on September 14, 1865, to find Colonels Cole and Walker and deliver to them a message from General Connor.

Later that day, he rescued Private John Hutson of the 2nd Missouri Light Artillery, who had been abandoned by Cole's column because he was unable to walk.

Charles got him onto the spare horse, and brought him into Cole's and Walker's camp when they arrived at about 9 p.m. and delivered General Connor's message.

Entered service at: Ohio, United States Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Date of issue: August 24, 1894.

Citation: Carried a message through a country infested with hostile Indians and saved the life of a comrade en route.