BRATTLEBORO — Richard H. Hamilton, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 28, 2022, was recently selected to receive the Tompkins Award.
The Tompkins Award is named after Daniel D. Tompkins, who became the first Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite in 1813, and served as Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe.
It may be conferred by the Supreme Council or by the Sovereign Grand Commander upon a deserving Masonic or Scottish Rite Brother who has rendered outstanding distinguished and exemplary service to his country or the Masonic fraternity at large not often witnessed among the general membership. Scottish Rite is one of the concordant bodies of Freemasonry that a Master Mason in the fraternity may choose to join in addition to being a member of the local Masonic lodge.
Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Freemasons, Peter J. Samiec, in consultation with members of the Supreme Council, selected Brother Richard H. Hamilton to receive the Tompkins Award for his service not only to Freemasonry, and Vermont, but also to the nation.
During World War II, Hamilton served as a technical sergeant stationed in England with the Army Air Force’s 91st Bomb Group as radio operator/mechanic/gunner aboard the B-17 “Destiny’s Child.” On his ninth mission, Hamilton was shot down over Germany. He was captured and held as a prisoner of war for 10 months. After a 77-day forced march he was liberated by two Russian soldiers. For his service in World War II Brother Hamilton was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Air Medal.
A presentation luncheon was held at Brattleboro Lodge on Jan. 21 hosted by members of the lodge and the Scottish Rite Valley of Southern Vermont. Among those attending were Brother Richard Hamilton and his family, veterans representing the American Legion and VFW, as well as Masons from around the district.
Special presentations of appreciation for their service to the nation were given to the dozen veterans who attended in support of Brother Hamilton. William Basso II, a 33rd degree MSA and one of three members of the Supreme Council representing Vermont Scottish Rite, presided over the special presentation of the Tompkins Award to Brother Hamilton.