The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Hold Thomas Kane, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Nereus during the attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, on 15 January 1865. Thomas Kane, as Captain of the Hold, displayed outstanding skill and courage as his ship maintained its well-directed fire against fortifications on shore despite the enemy’s return fire. When a rebel steamer was discovered in the river back of the fort, the Nereus, with forward rifle guns trained, drove the ship off at the third fire. The gallant ship’s participation contributed to the planting of the flag on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.