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Civil War
William Thompson
Signal Quartermaster · U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy
7 November 1861 · USS Mohican
- Branch
- U.S. Navy
- Era
- Civil War
- Home state
- Massachusetts
- Action
- USS Mohican
The citation
Official citation
During action of the main squadron of ships against heavily defended Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head, 7 November 1861. Serving as signal quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Mohican, Thompson steadfastly steered the ship with a steady and bold heart under the batteries; was wounded by a piece of shell but remained at his station until he fell from loss of blood. Legs since amputated.