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

Edwin Smith

• Rank: Ordinary Seaman (Highest Rank: Mate)
• Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
• Unit/Command:
  U.S.S. Whitehead
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
• Medal of Honor Action Date: October 3, 1862
• Medal of Honor Action Place: Franklin, Virginia, USA

On board the U.S.S. Whitehead in the attack upon Franklin, Va., 3 October 1862. When his ship became grounded in a narrow passage as she rounded a bend in the Blackwater River, Smith, realizing the hazards of lowering a boat, voluntarily swam to shore with a line under the enemy's heavy fire. His fearless action enabled his ship to maintain steady fire and keep the enemy in check during the battle.