Thomas R. Kerr

Thomas R. Kerr (April 24, 1843 – November 14, 1926) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Kerr received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.[1] Kerr's medal was won for his capturing the flag of the Confederate 8th Virginia Cavalry at Moorefield in West Virginia on August 7, 1864.[1] He was honored with the award on June 13, 1894.[1][2]

Thomas R. Kerr
BornApril 24, 1843
Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ireland
DiedNovember 14, 1926(1926-11-14) (aged 83)
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1862–1865
RankCaptain
Unit Company C, 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
Awards Medal of Honor

Kerr was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ireland. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry in November 1862. He was promoted to Captain in May 1864 and resigned in June 1865.[3] Kerr is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.[4][1]

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Cavalry) Thomas R. Kerr, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1864, while serving with Company C, 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, in action at Moorefield, West Virginia. After being most desperately wounded, Captain Kerr captured the colors of the 8th Virginia Cavalry (Confederate States of America).[1]

See also

References
  1. "Thomas R. Kerr". Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  2. "Civil War (G–L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved July 19, 2014.
  3. Muster Roll
  4. "Burial Detail: Kerr, Thomas R. (Section 3, Grave 1623)". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website).
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