Lieutenant Thomas P. Gere grew up in 1842 for the Wellsburg, Ny. He signed up throughout the fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment in the age 19, mustering within the into January 17, 1862. He was promoted to help you first sergeant for the March 5 of that 12 months and to help you 2nd lieutenant with the e basic lieutenant and you may adjutant. He was nineteen years old and mainly based on Fort Ridgely when you look at the 1862 if U.S.-Dakota Combat broke aside. With the day out of August 18, he was responsible in the fort when Capt. John Marsh leftover to see on profile coming from the All the way down Sioux Agency throughout the Dakota attacksmanding twenty five soldiers, and you can handling a huge selection of scary-ridden refugees fleeing periods, Gere Gov. Ramsey and Fort Snelling requesting reinforcements. Tossing his soldiers and several refugees to prepare to own attack, the guy awaited help. He had been finally joined because of the Sheehan and his awesome soldiers, and Indian Broker Galbraith additionally the Renville Rangers, and the fort stored out for another 10 weeks.