| Thomas Kane | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1841 Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/branch | United States Navy Union Navy |
| Rank | Captain of the Hold |
| Unit | USS Nereus (1863) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Second Battle of Fort Fisher |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Thomas Kane (1841 – unknown) was a sailor in the U.S. Navy 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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Kane volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union steamer USS Nereus (1863). His enlistment is credited to the state of New Jersey.
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.
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Hold Thomas Kane, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Nereus during the attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 15 January 1865. Thomas Kane, as Captain of the Hold, displayed outstanding skill and courage as his ship maintained its well-directed fire against fortifications on shore despite the enemy's return fire. When a rebel steamer was discovered in the river back of the fort, the Nereus, with forward rifle guns trained, drove the ship off at the third fire. The gallant ship's participation contributed to the planting of the flag on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 584(October 3, 1867)
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain of the Hold
Division: U.S.S. Nereus