Michael Cassidy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Cassidy
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|---|---|
| Born | 1837 Ireland |
| Died | March 18, 1908 (aged 70–71) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Rank | Landsman |
| Unit | USS Lackawanna |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Mobile Bay |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Michael Cassidy (born 1837 – died March 18, 1908) was a brave sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier or sailor can receive in the United States. He got this special medal for his actions during a big battle called the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Who Was Michael Cassidy?
Michael Cassidy was born in Ireland in 1837. Later, he moved to the United States and lived in New York. When the Civil War started, he decided to join the U.S. Navy. He served as a landsman on a ship called the USS Lackawanna. A landsman was a sailor who was learning the ropes and doing general duties on the ship.
Bravery at Mobile Bay
On August 5, 1864, Michael Cassidy's ship, the Lackawanna, was part of the important Battle of Mobile Bay. During this battle, the Lackawanna fought very close to another ship, the CSS Tennessee.
Michael Cassidy was part of a gun crew. His job was to be the "sponger." This meant he used a long pole with a sponge on the end to clean the inside of the cannon after it fired. This was a very dangerous job because he had to work quickly and carefully right after the loud blast. He showed amazing courage and stayed calm even with all the fighting around him.
His Medal of Honor
Because of his incredible bravery during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Michael Cassidy was given the Medal of Honor. He received this award just a few months later, on December 31, 1864.
His official Medal of Honor award said that he served on the U.S.S. Lackawanna during successful attacks. It mentioned his great calmness and excellent behavior as the first sponger of a gun. It also said that his cool actions under fire made his officers and the rest of the gun crew proud. His bravery helped the Navy capture the enemy ship Tennessee and destroy forts.
Later Life and Legacy
Michael Cassidy lived until March 18, 1908. He was about 70 or 71 years old when he passed away. He was buried at Hampton National Cemetery in Hampton, Virginia. His story reminds us of the bravery shown by many during the Civil War.
