Thomas E. Corcoran (1838–12 March 1904) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration - the Medal of Honor - for actions during the American Civil War.

Biography

Thomas E. Corcoran was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1839. He enlisted in the Navy from New York during the Civil War, serving in USS Cincinnati in 1863. When that ship was sunk off Vicksburg, Mississippi, by Confederate shore batteries on 27 May 1863, he distinguished himself by rescuing other members of the crew. For his actions on that occasion, Landsman Thomas E. Corcoran was awarded the Medal of Honor. He died on 12 March 1904 and was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, Queens, New York.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838, New York. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 17, 10 July 1863.

Citation:

Served on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by shellfire that her fate was sealed. Serving bravely during this action, Corcoran was conspicuously cool under the fire of the enemy, never ceasing to fight until this proud ship went down, "her colors nailed to the mast."

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A-F

References

• Retrieved on 2006-08-07