Service/branch Union Navy Rank Quartermaster | Unit USS Kearsarge (1861) Name William Smith | |
Died January, 12, 1902 (aged 63–64)
Merrimack County, New Hampshire Allegiance United States of America
Union Battles/wars American Civil War
Cherbourg, France | ||
William Smith (1838 – January 12, 1902) was born in Ireland and was a Union Navy sailor during the American Civil War who received America's highest military decoration the Medal of Honor for his actions at Cherbourg, France. He was buried at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and Organization:
Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838, Ireland. Accredited to: New Hampshire. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.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 Kearsarge.References
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