A free black man,[1] English joined the Navy at age 43, for a 3-year enlistment, [2] and was assigned to the Union ironclad USS New Ironsides (1862).

His heroic deed involved repeatedly and with coolness leaving the safety of the armored pilot house to change the signal flags vital to communications amidst the storm of shot and shell.

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.

In 1867, Thomas English signed on to the screw steamer USS Piscataqua (1866) which was bound for service in the Asiatic Station at the port of Singapore.

Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions.