Rank Ordinary Seaman | Unit USS Plymouth Name Thomas Kersey | |
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Died April 16, 1888 (aged 40–41) Place of burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, Massachusetts Allegiance United States of America | ||
Service/branch United States Navy | ||
Thomas Joseph Kersey (1847 – April 16, 1888) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Biography
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. By July 26, 1876, he was serving as an ordinary seaman on the 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.
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.
Kersey died on April 16, 1888, at age 40 or 41 and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.