The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Fireman First Class Thomas Cavanaugh, United States Navy, for gallant and heroic conduct while serving on board the U.S.S. Potomac during the passage of that vessel from Cat Island to Nassau, 14 November 1898. Volunteering to enter the fireroom which was filled with steam, Fireman First Class Cavanaugh, after repeated attempts, succeeded in reaching the auxiliary valve and opening it, thereby relieving the vessel from further danger.