William Smith

Branch

U.S. Navy

Era

Civil War

Home state

New Hampshire

Action

Alabama off Cherbourg, France

The citation

Official 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.

Sources

• U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index