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Mount Moriah Cemetery
  VA Plot 3-4-3 

Born:  1838 at Salem, MA

Entered Service in the US Navy from Massachusetts

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism April 24, 1862 at Forts Jackson, St. Philip & New Orleans, LA

On April 24, 1862, the Union Navy launched an effort to capture New Orleans to close the important Southern port. New Orleans was protected by Forts Jackson and Philip in commanding positions above the river entrance and mounting a combined total of 128 guns. Additionally, the Confederate fleet numbered fourteen vessels to prevent the Union Navy from taking New Orleans. Twenty sailors from eight Union ships earned Medals of Honor in this action, eleven of them for heroism on both days of the operation that lead to the capture of New Orleans. Seaman Thomas Lyons was one of four crewmen of the U.S.S. Pensacola who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in this two-day battle. Carrying out his duties throughout the din and roar of the battle, Seaman Lyons never once erred in his brave performance. Lashed outside of that vessel, on the port-sheet chain, with the lead in hand to lead the ship past the forts, Seaman Lyons never flinched, although under a heavy fire from the forts and rebel gunboats.