b. 1833 Scotland. d. 07/04/1869 at sea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 27/05/1863 Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Thomas was born in 1833 in Scotland, but later moved to Weymouth, Massachusetts. Hamilton fought in the American Civil War for the Union, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions while quartermaster aboard the USS Cincinnati. During the attack on the Vicksburg batteries, May 27, 1863, Hamilton, though severely wounded, returned to his post and had to be sent below.
After serving in the military, Hamilton served in the merchant marine. On April 7, 1869, he died of consumption while serving aboard a merchant vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, and was buried at sea.
MOH CITATION:
Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati during the attack on the Vicksburg batteries and at the time of her sinking, 27 May 1863. Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last although so penetrated by enemy shell fire that her fate was sealed. Conspicuously gallant during this action, Hamilton, severely wounded at the wheel, returned to his post and had to be sent down below, to hear the incessant roar of guns as the gallant ship went down, “her colors nailed to the mast.
BURIAL LOCATION: AT SEA.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: THOMAS W. HAMILTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WEYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS.
