Idaho Veterans Mourn Distinguished Buddy Thomas C. Neibaur, Ranked Third Among Heroes of Last War, Dies at 44 After Long Illness BOISE Veterans of World War I in all sections of Idaho Thursday mourned the death of one of their most distinguished buddies Thomas C. Neibaur, 44, the only Idaho holder of one of the highest medals for gallantry the United States can bestow upon a soldier. Tom, as he was called by everyone, died Wednesday in the U. S. veterans hospital at Walla Walla, Wash., after a lingering illness of pulmonary tuberculosis. Records at the state American Legion adjutants office revealed that he was born near Sugar City, Madison county, in southeastern Idaho, on May 17, 1898, and that he enlisted in the army March 26, 1917, at the age of 18. It was his heroic action on October 16, 1918, that won him the coveted congressional medal of honor. He checked a counterattack of the enemy with his automatic rifle although he was wounded in both legs. He finished off the heroic deed by moving among the enemy and returning to his lines with 11 German prisoners. In addition to receiving the congressional medal for bravery, he was the holder of six other medals. Neibaurs decorations included the congressional medal of honor, the purple heart, the French croix de guerre and legion of honor, the Italian merit of war medal and the Montenegro silver medal. General John J. Pershing personally bestowed the congressional medal upon him after rating him as third among American heroes in World war I. During the depression when the going was rough, Neibaur found it necessary to accept WPA assistance, and it was at this time that he sent his congressional medal to the late Senator William E. Borah with the statement that his earnings on WPA were too small to support the medal and my family, too. During Governor C. A. Bottolfsens first term, he offered Neibaur a job on the state capitol police force. He served nearly two years and then became ill and was sent to the veterans hospital in Walla Walla. Upon his return from the war in 1919, he married Sarah Lois Shepard in Sugar City and they had seven sons. Three have died. His first wife died in 1940, and In 1941 he married Lillian Rose Golden, who survives him in addition to his sons, Lamarr, Gene, Cleo and Leo Neibaur. Homer Hudelson, manager of the veterans hospital here, said that funeral services probably will be conducted in Sugar City and that the body would pass through Boise on its way. A military guard of honor will be assembled at the depot when the body arrives. Lester Albert, state adjutant of the American Legion, said: In the passing of Tom Neibaur. we reflect back to the war in which he so gallantly served. His endeavors and his death make us realize the necessity of our service to our country. We have lost a gallant soldier and a dear friend.