Thomas Plunkett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Plunkett
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Plunkett in 1865
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| Born | 1841 County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | March 10, 1885 (aged 43–44) Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Hope Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit | Company E, 21st Massachusetts Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Thomas Plunkett (1841 – March 10, 1885) was a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was a "color bearer," which meant he carried his army's special flag, called a banner, into battle. This flag represented his unit, the 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
During the Battle of Fredericksburg, a cannon blast hit him. It took away both of his arms and wounded his chest. Even after this terrible injury, he held the flag against his chest. He used what was left of his arms to keep it from falling. He continued until another soldier took the flag from him so he could get help. Both of his arms had to be removed. It took him two years to recover from his injuries.
For his amazing courage, Thomas Plunkett received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. Later, a place called Battery Plunkett was named after him. This was a fort with two large guns built in 1899 at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor.
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