Tunis Craven

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Tunis Augustus Macdonough Craven (11 January 1813– 5 August 1864) was an officer in the United States Navy. His career included service in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.

Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Craven was appointed midshipman 2 February 1829. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War. Craven commanded the Atrato Expedition in 1857 which surveyed the Isthmus of Darien (now called Panama) by way of the Atrato River for a ship canal. In 1860 he was presented with a gold medal and diploma by Queen Isabella II of Spain for the rescue of the crew of a Spanish merchant vessel.

In the Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864, Commander Craven commanded Tecumseh, which was struck by a torpedo while leading the attack. The vessel sank almost immediately carrying with her Commander Craven who had drawn back, giving his life to permit his pilot to escape through the narrow opening in the turret tower.

Three ships in the Navy have been named USS Craven for him.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.