United States of America
JW
U.S. Navy · United States 
John Williams
1828
John Williams served the U.S. Navy.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor
26 June 1861 · USS Pawnee, Mathias Point · Captain of the Maintop, U.S. Navy.
Serving as captain of the maintop of the U.S.S. Pawnee in the attack upon Mathias Point, 26 June 1861, Williams told his men, while lying off in the boat, that every man must die on his thwart sooner than leave a man behind. Although wounded by a musket ball in the thigh he retained the charge of his boat; and when the staff was shot away, held the stump in his hand, with the flag, until alongside the Freeborn.
11, 3 April 1863.
Awards & Decorations
1
For valor
Medal of Honor - Navy
11, 3 April 1863.
Serving as captain of the maintop of the U.S.S. Pawnee in the attack upon Mathias Point, 26 June 1861, Williams told his men, while lying off in the boat, that every man must die on his thwart sooner than leave a man behind. Although wounded by a musket ball in the thigh he retained the charge of his boat; and when the staff was shot away, held the stump in his hand, with the flag, until alongside the Freeborn.
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01m2vks17n3s0g8sggw57r145m
Record added
September 19, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
September 20, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
Shadow Box
John Williams
U.S. Navy
Be the first to honor John.
Leave a Tribute