Thomas Cripps

Thomas H. Cripps was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. He achieved the rank of quartermaster and distinguished himself during one of the most significant naval engagements of the war.

During the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, Cripps was stationed aboard the USS Richmond. Despite coming under heavy enemy fire for two hours, he courageously operated one of the ship's guns. His efforts contributed directly to damaging the Confederate ironclad CSS Tennessee and destroying artillery batteries at Fort Morgan.

Cripps performed these duties while his ship was actively being damaged by enemy shell and shot, which killed several of his fellow crew members. In recognition of his bravery and steadfast devotion to duty under fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 31, 1864.