b. 10/05/1869 Ireland. d. ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 14/11/1898 USS Potomac off coast of Bahamas.
Cavanaugh was born May 10, 1869 in Ireland, and after entering the navy he was sent as a Fireman First Class to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the USS Potomac.
MOH CITATION:
On board the U.S.S. Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898. Volunteering to enter the fireroom which was filled with steam, Cavanaugh, after repeated attempts, succeeded in reaching the auxiliary valve and opening it, thereby relieving the vessel from further danger.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.