Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Seaman Thomas Cahey received the Medal of Honor for his actions on March 31, 1901 in Cavite, Manila Bay, on board the U.S.S. Petrel, Luzon — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Petrel. Cahey was 30 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Gunner's Mate.
Cahey was born on April 13, 1870 in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Cahey died on January 5, 1935, at the age of 64. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Petrel for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger in saving others on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, 31 March 1901.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
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Timeline
- April 13, 1870Born in Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland
- March 31, 1901Act of valor — Cavite, Manila Bay, on board the U.S.S. Petrel, LuzonAge 30. U.S.S. Petrel
- January 5, 1935DiedAge 64.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Thomas Cahey (April 13, 1870 – January 5, 1935) was a United States Navy sailor who received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. Born in Belfast, Ireland, on April 13, 1870, Cahey immigrated to the United States and joined the U.S. Navy from New York. By March 31, 1901, he was serving as a seaman on the USS Petrel (PG-2). On that day, he helped rescue several crewmates during a fire on the ship. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor a year later, on March 22, 1902. Cahey's official Medal of Honor citation reads: On board the U.S.S.
From the Wikipedia article “Thomas Cahey”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
