Cruse was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on December 29, 1857.
Before attending West Point, he attended Centre College in Kentucky, 1874–1875.
He graduated from West Point in 1879.
Cruse was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 6th United States Cavalry upon graduation.
 Cruse was later an honor graduate of the Infantry-Cavalry School in 1891.
He received the Medal of Honor "for distinguished gallantry in action with hostile Indians" at Big Dry Fork, Arizona on July 17, 1882.
He received the medal on July 12, 1892.
Three other men also received the Medal of Honor at Big Dry Fork, Arizona: Frank West, George H. Morgan, and Charles Taylor.

Cruse later served in the Philippine-American War.
Later in his career, he graduated from the Army War College in April 1916 and was promoted to brigadier general in December 1916.
He retired from active duty in January 1918.
Cruse was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on December 29, 1857. Before attending West Point, he attended Centre College in Kentucky, 1874–1875. He graduated from West Point in 1879. Cruse was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 6th United States Cavalry upon graduation.  Cruse was later an honor graduate of the Infantry-Cavalry School in 1891. He received the Medal of Honor "for distinguished gallantry in action with hostile Indians" at Big Dry Fork, Arizona on July 17, 1882. He received the medal on July 12, 1892. Three other men also received the Medal of Honor at Big Dry Fork, Arizona: Frank West, George H. Morgan, and Charles Taylor.
Cruse later served in the Philippine-American War. Later in his career, he graduated from the Army War College in April 1916 and was promoted to brigadier general in December 1916. He retired from active duty in January 1918.
Thomas Cruse