Thomas Cahey

He saved fellow sailors during a fire aboard the USS Petrel.

Thomas Cahey earned the Medal of Honor for lifesaving heroism during a fire aboard USS Petrel on March 31, 1901. A seaman in the United States Navy, he risked his own life to save others while the vessel was at Cavite in Manila Bay, Philippines.

Born in Belfast, Ireland, on April 13, 1870, Cahey later attained the rank of chief gunner’s mate. He was accredited to New York for the award. His brief official citation recognizes the danger of his rescue efforts without identifying individual victims.

Cahey died on January 5, 1935, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Petrel for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger in saving others on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, 31 March 1901.