Thomas Stanton (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Stanton
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At the White House, June 13, 1911
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| Born | August 11, 1869 Ireland |
| Died | May 7, 1950 (aged 80) |
| Place of burial |
Saint Columba Catholic Cemetery, Middletown, Rhode Island
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Rank | Chief Machinist's Mate |
| Unit | USS North Dakota (BB-29) |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Thomas Stanton was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He was born in Ireland on August 11, 1869. He later moved to the United States. Stanton earned the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military, the Medal of Honor. He received this award for his heroic actions during a dangerous incident on a ship.
Thomas Stanton was born in Ireland on August 11, 1869. After moving to the United States, he joined the Navy. He signed up in New York around the year 1898.
A Dangerous Day at Sea
On September 8, 1910, Stanton was working as a Chief Machinist's Mate. This job means he was a very skilled mechanic for the ship's engines. He was serving on a ship called the USS North Dakota (BB-29). On that day, the North Dakota was testing how to use oil as fuel. Suddenly, an explosion happened. Three sailors died, and the ship was in great danger.
The engine room became a very scary place. Hot coal and coke (a type of fuel) were floating in hot water that was up to a person's waist. Fire was burning above one of the ship's boilers. The whole room was filled with thick smoke, steam, and dangerous fumes.
Despite these extreme dangers, Stanton and five other brave sailors from the engineering team went into the engine room. They worked to remove the hot fires from the boilers. They also did other important tasks to stop the boilers from exploding. Their quick actions helped save the ship from more damage. After making sure the ship was safe, they then searched for and carefully removed the bodies of the three sailors who had died in the explosion.
Earning the Medal of Honor
For their incredible bravery, Stanton and the five other men were given the Medal of Honor. This special award was given to them just one month later, on October 4, 1910. The other heroes who received the medal that day were Chief Machinist's Mate Karl Westa, Chief Watertender August Holtz, Chief Watertender Patrick Reid, Machinist's Mate First Class Charles C. Roberts, and Watertender Harry Lipscomb.
Thomas Stanton lived to be 80 years old. He passed away on May 7, 1950. He was buried at Saint Columba Catholic Cemetery in Middletown, Rhode Island.
