Thomas Mitchell (Medal of Honor)

Saving a fellow crewman from drowning at Shanghai

Thomas Mitchell was a landsman aboard USS Richmond. At Shanghai, China, on November 17, 1879, he rescued fellow crewman M. F. Caulan from drowning. His lifesaving action earned the Medal of Honor.

Born in New York City in 1857, Mitchell died on July 18, 1942. He was buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. His decoration commemorates gallantry during peacetime naval service.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Richmond, Mitchell rescued from drowning, M.F. Caulan, first class boy, serving with him on the same vessel, at Shanghai, China, 17 November 1879.