Thomas Robinson (Medal of Honor, 1866)

Attempting to save a shipmate off New Orleans

Thomas Robinson earned the Medal of Honor for heroic rescue efforts off New Orleans on July 15, 1866. Serving as captain of the afterguard aboard USS Tallapoosa, he attempted to save Wellington Brocar, a landsman, from drowning.

Born in Norway on May 17, 1837, Robinson served in the United States Navy and was accredited to New York for the award. The official citation recognizes his efforts without stating the final outcome of the rescue.

Robinson died on May 12, 1915, and is buried at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Medal of Honor citation

For heroic efforts to save from drowning Wellington Brocar, landsman, of the Tallapoosa, off New Orleans, 15 July 1866.