Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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

William Smith

Details
  • Rank: Quartermaster (Highest Rank: Master's Mate)
  • Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
  • Unit/Command:
    U.S.S. Kearsarge
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 19, 1864
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: off Cherbourg, France
Citation

Served as second quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as captain of the 11-inch pivot gun of the second division, Smith carried out his duties courageously and deserved special notice for the deliberate and cool manner in which he acted throughout the bitter engagement. It is stated by rebel officers that this gun was more destructive and did more damage than any other gun of the Kearsarge

Medal of Honor Recipient William Smith, USS Kearsarge
Medal of Honor Recipient William Smith, USS Kearsarge
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Born: 1826, Providence, Providence County, RI, US
  • Died:
 

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