Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy

William McKnight

Details
  • Rank: Coxswain (Highest Rank: Master's Mate)
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Varuna
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 24, 1862
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Forts Jackson & St. Philip, Louisiana, USA
Citation
Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close-range, while the ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.
Medal of Honor Recipient William McKnight
Medal of Honor Recipient William McKnight
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New York, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Born: May 3, 1842, Ulster County, NY, United States
  • Died: November 4, 1914, Woodhaven, NY, United States
  • Buried: The Green-Wood Cemetery (23348-185), Brooklyn, NY, United States
 

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