Thomas Cavanaugh

Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Fireman First Class Thomas Cavanaugh (10 May 1869 - unknown) was U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

Thomas Cavanaugh was born 10 May 1869 in Ireland, and after entering the U.S. Navy, he was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Potomac.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy

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.