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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Thomas Smith (Medal of Honor, 1878) — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Seaman
Medals Recorded: 1

Thomas Smith (Medal of Honor, 1878)

Seaman, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Saving a coxswain from drowning off Brazil

Thomas Smith served as a seaman aboard USS Enterprise. Off Pará, Brazil, on October 1, 1878, he rescued Coxswain William Kent from drowning. His lifesaving courage earned the Medal of Honor.

Born in Ireland in 1856 and accredited to Virginia, Smith received his medal at a muster aboard Enterprise on October 29, 1878. Commander Thomas Selfridge made the presentation. His award commemorates gallantry during peacetime naval service.

Medal of Honor citation

For rescuing from drowning William Kent, coxswain of the U.S.S. Enterprise, off Para, Brazil, 1 October 1878.

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