Join us for Family Summer Day on July 25! Presented by the Texas Lottery®.View Details

Plan your visit
- Hours, Directions And Parking Café and Restaurant Museum Shop Museum Map
- Tickets and Experiences Accessibility Group Visits Plan Your Field Trip Places to Stay
Explore All exhibits and events
- EXHIBITSMoments of Action Exhibit From Rails to Rotors Exhibit More than a Medal Exhibit Interactive Exhibits Medal Exhibits
- EVENTSHost a Private Event Fireside Chat & Reception with Major James Capers, Jr Veterans Day
Explore All Recipients Stories
- THE RECIPIENTSRecipients Database Search
- THE MEDALLearn About the Medal More Than a Medal Exhibit
Ways to Get Involved
- GiveBecome a Member Volunteer Make A Donation Partners and Donors Sponsor a Youth Field Trip
- AboutAbout the Museum Museum Leadership Careers Stories Pressroom
Griffin Institute
- Griffin InstituteLearn About the Griffin Institute June 2 Teacher Development Day June 4 Teacher Development Day

U.S. Navy

Thomas Jenkins

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1863

Unit/CommandUSS Cincinnati

Citation

Served on board the USS Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. 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 shell fire that her fate was sealed. Serving bravely during this action, Jenkins 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.”

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1863