Planning a visit? The Museum will be closed on Thursday, September 10, for a special event.View Upcoming Hours

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 Perry

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Kearsarge

BirthplaceNew York

Citation

Served as boatswain’s mate on board the USS Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Perry exhibited marked coolness and good conduct under the enemy fire and was recommended for gallantry by his divisional officer.

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