| Thomas Harcourt | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1841 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/branch | United States Navy Union Navy |
| Rank | Ordinary Seaman |
| Unit | USS Minnesota |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Second Battle of Fort Fisher |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Thomas Harcourt (1841 – Unknown) was a U.S. sailor stationed aboard the USS Minnesota during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.
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Harcourt volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union frigate USS Minnesota. His enlistment is credited to the state of Massachusetts.
On January 15, 1865 the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Harcourt was one of nine crewmen from the USS Minnesota who received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle.
"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Ordinary Seaman Thomas Harcourt, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action on board the U.S.S. Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Ordinary Seaman Harcourt advanced to the top of the sand hill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two-thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors."[1]
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Division: U.S.S. Minnesota