Thomas Hayes

At Mobile Bay he stood by his gun as the fleet ran the fire!

Coxswain Thomas Hayes commanded the Number 1 gun aboard USS Richmond as the Union fleet fought its way into Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Through the prolonged exchange with Fort Morgan and Confederate warships, Hayes continued to direct his gun with the calm and courage remembered in his Medal of Honor citation.

Hayes was born in Rhode Island in 1840. During the Civil War he served in the United States Navy aboard Richmond. The ship took part in Rear Admiral David G. Farragut's attack on Mobile Bay, an operation that required the fleet to pass heavy fortifications and then fight Confederate vessels inside the bay.

As captain of Richmond's Number 1 gun, Hayes remained at a key combat station throughout the engagement. His citation emphasizes his coolness and courage under the sustained enemy fire.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

At Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864, Hayes displayed coolness and courage while commanding USS Richmond's Number 1 gun during prolonged fighting against Confederate defenses and vessels.

The reviewed authoritative sources do not provide reliable details of Hayes's later life or death, so none are added. His Civil War Navy service qualifies for the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal. No ribbon device or engagement star is supported.