Thomas Calvin Cooney

Chief Machinist, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Chief Machinist Thomas Calvin Cooney (18 July 1853- 8 January 1907) was a 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 Calvin Cooney was born 18 July 1853 in Westport, Nova Scotia, and after entering the U.S. Navy was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the U.S. Torpedo Boat Winslow.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Chief Machinist, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the U.S. Torpedo Boat Winslow during the action at Cardenas, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Following the piercing of the boiler by an enemy shell, Cooney, by his gallantry and promptness in extinguishing the resulting flames, saved the boiler tubes from burning out.

Death and Burial

Chief Machinist Thomas Calvin Cooney died on 8 January 1907. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD. His grave can be found in Lot 254.