No verified public-domain photo is on file yet.

Civil War

Thomas Bourne

Seaman and Gun Captain · U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy

24 April 1862 · USS Varuna

Branch
U.S. Navy
Era
Civil War
Home state
New York
Action
USS Varuna

The citation

Official citation

Served as captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during an attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and while under fire and ramming by the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close range while his ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, Bourne remained steadfast at his gun and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, badly damaged and forced to beach, was finally sunk.

Sources

More from this battle

Ready I Left My Home — Staff Sgt. Anisha Johnson

Audio credits