Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Fireman First Class Thomas Cavanaugh received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 14, 1898 at sea between Cat Island and Nassau — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Potomac. Cavanaugh was 29 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Cavanaugh was born on May 10, 1869 in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898. Volunteering to enter the fireroom, which was filled with steam, Cavanaugh, after repeated attempts, succeeded in reaching the auxiliary valve and opening it, thereby relieving the vessel from further danger.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
- Born: Ireland — map
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- May 10, 1869Born in Ireland
- November 14, 1898Act of valor — at sea between Cat Island and NassauAge 29. U.S.S. Potomac
Biography
Thomas Cavanaugh (born May 10, 1869) was an American sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Thomas Cavanaugh”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
