Thomas Barton (Medal of Honor) explained

Thomas Barton
Birth Date:c. 1831
Placeofburial Label:Place of burial
Birth Place:Cleveland, Ohio
Allegiance: United States
Serviceyears:1861 - 1882
Rank:Seaman
Acting Master's Mate
Boatswain
Unit:









Battles:American Civil War
Joint Expedition Against Franklin
Awards: Medal of Honor

Thomas C. Barton (born c. 1831 in Cleveland, Ohio) was an American seaman who served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Barton enlisted in the Navy in June 1861, and resigned in April 1864.[1]

While serving aboard the during the Joint Expedition Against Franklin, Barton extinguished an ignited howitzer shell which had fallen onto the deck. For this action, Barton was promoted to acting master's mate[2] and awarded the Medal of Honor on 3 April 1863;[3] the citation for the latter read:[4]

On board the U.S.S. Hunchback in the attack on Franklin, Va., 3 October 1862. When an ignited shell, with cartridge attached, fell out of the howitzer upon the deck, S/man Barton promptly seized a pail of water and threw it upon the missile, thereby preventing it from exploding.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lost to History » Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States.
  2. Book: Record of Medals of Honor Issued to the Bluejackets and Marines of the United States Navy 1862 - 1910. 2011-01-05. 1910. United States Navy Bureau of Navigation. Washington, D.C., United States. 8. Roll of Honor. https://books.google.com/books?id=_81BAAAAIAAJ&q=Barton&pg=PA8. Seaman on board of the U.S.S. Commodore Perry, in the attack upon Franklin, Va., October 3, 1862; distinguished for his gallant conduct. Promoted to acting master's mate..
  3. Book: Zabecki , David T. . American Artillery and the Medal of Honor. 2011-01-05. 2. 1997. Merriam Press. United States. 978-1-57638-035-2. 22. The Civil War. https://books.google.com/books?id=bKNjox0pc0EC&q=%22Thomas+Barton%22+Navy+%22of+Honor%22&pg=PA22.
  4. Web site: Medal of Honor Recipients: Civil War (A - L). United States Army Center of Military History. Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., United States. 2011-01-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20101227150743/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/civwaral.html. dead. 2010-12-27.