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 color bearer during the American Civil War. He carried the banner of the 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Fredericksburg when a cannon blast took away both of his arms and wounded him in the chest. He pressed the flag against his chest with what remained of his arms and continued until one of the color guard took the flag from him so he could retire. Both of his arms were eventually amputated, and it would take another two years for him to recover. For his actions during the battle Plunkett received the Medal of Honor. Battery Plunkett, a battery of two 4-inch rapid firing guns at Fort Warren on Georges Island in Boston Harbor (MA), was completed in 1899 and named in his honor.
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