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Photo # NH 105505:  Medal of Honor awarded to Thomas English

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Signal Quartermaster Thomas English, USN, (Born 1819)

Thomas English was born in 1819 in New York, New York. He enlisted from that state and served as a Signal Quartermaster on board USS New Ironsides during the American Civil War. He participated with that ship in the attacks on Fort Fisher during 24-25 December 1864 and 13-15 January 1865. His conduct, while New Ironsides vigorously shelled Fort Fisher, facilitated the land assault and subsequent capture of the position. For his performance on that occasion, English was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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Photo #: NH 105505

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor


Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Signal Quartermaster Thomas English, USN, who served in USS New Ironsides during the assaults on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24-25 December 1864 and 13-15 January 1865.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 98KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Thomas English, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 24):

"ENGLISH served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 30 January 2008