Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Ordinary Seaman Thomas Joseph Kersey received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 26, 1876 in Navy Yard, New York — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Plymouth. Kersey was about 29 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Kersey was born in 1847 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada — one of 60 recipients born in Canada. His Medal of Honor is credited to Massachusetts. Kersey died on April 16, 1888 in Chelsea (Naval Hospital), Massachusetts, at the age of about 41. He is buried at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Serving on board the U.S.S. Plymouth at the Navy Yard, New York, 26 July 1876, Kersey displayed bravery and presence of mind in rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
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Timeline
- 1847Born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- July 26, 1876Act of valor — Navy Yard, New YorkAge about 29. U.S.S. Plymouth
- April 16, 1888Died in Chelsea (Naval Hospital), MassachusettsAge about 41.
- Resting placeSaint Mary's CemeteryNewport, Rhode Island
Biography
Thomas Joseph Kersey (August 1846 – April 16, 1888) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
From the Wikipedia article “Thomas Kersey”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →