O'Connell, Thomas - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

O'Connell, Thomas

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Hartford

Citation

On board the flagship USS Hartford, during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Although a patient in the sick bay, O’Connell voluntarily reported at his station at the shell whip and continued to perform his duties with zeal and courage until his right hand was severed by an enemy shellburst.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1864