Thatcher received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.

[1] Thatcher's medal was won for his heroism in the Battle of the Crater in Virginia on July 30, 1864.

[2] Thatcher was born in Coldwater, Michigan, and entered service On 5 Dec 1862 at Grand Haven, he enlisted giving his age as 18.

It was in fact actual age 15 years 4 months 12 days.

[1][2] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Charles M. Thatcher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 30 July 1864, while serving with Company B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, in action at Petersburg, Virginia.