Thomas Kersey

Thomas Joseph Kersey (b. 1847 – d. April 16, 1888) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Thomas Joseph Kersey
Navy Medal of Honor
Born1847
St. John's, Newfoundland
DiedApril 16, 1888 (aged 40–41)
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Place of burial
St. Mary's Cemetery, Newport, Rhode Island
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
RankOrdinary Seaman
UnitUSS Plymouth
Awards Medal of Honor

Military Service

Born in 1847 in St. John's, Newfoundland, Kersey immigrated to the United States and was living in Everett, Massachusetts, when he joined the Navy.[1][2] By July 26, 1876, he was serving as an ordinary seaman on the 14-gun screw sloop USS Plymouth. On that day, he rescued a crewmate from drowning at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor two weeks later, on August 9. Two other Plymouth sailors, Landsman William Corey and Seaman Charles Gidding, attempted to rescue a shipmate from drowning on the same day and also received the medal.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1847, St. Johns, Newfoundland. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 215, 9 August 1876.

Kersey's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

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.[1]

Death and burial

Kersey died on April 16, 1888, at age 40 or 41, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  2. "Thomas Kersey". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  3. Robeson, George M. (June 9, 1876). "General Order, No. 215". General orders and circulars issued by the Navy Department. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 150. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  4. Thomas Kersey at Find a Grave
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