Years of service 1862 - 1864 | Awards Medal of Honor Name William Bond Rank Boatswain's mate | |
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Buried at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Battles/wars Battle of Cherbourg (1864) Died March 17, 1892, Vallejo, California, United States | ||
Service/branch United States Navy Battles and wars Battle of Cherbourg | ||
Boatswain's Mate William S. Bond (1839 to March 17, 1892) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Bond received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action aboard the USS Kearsarge near Cherbourg-Octeville, France on June 19, 1864. He was honored with the award on 31 December 1864.
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Biography
Bond was born in 1839 in Boston, Massachusetts and enlisted into United States Navy aboard the Union warship USS Kearsarge on 16 January 1862.
On 19 June, 1864 Bond was aboard the Kearsarge, under command of captain John Ancrum Winslow in its hunt for the CSS Alabama. The Alabama was discovered anchored for repairs at the Cherbourg Harbor, France. Both ships headed for battle outside of French waters and what became known as the Battle of Cherbourg ensued. The Alabama was sunk within hours. Bond, along with sixteen other members of the Kearsarge crew, was awarded with the Medal of Honor for their gallantry during this battle.
Bond died on 17 March 1892 in Vallejo, California and his remains are interred at the Sunrise Memorial Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Carrying out his duties courageously, Bond exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by his divisional officer.