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William Smith

1826
Medal of Honor - Navy
Life Service Medal of Honor Decorations Shadow Box In Our Keeping

William Smith served the U.S. Navy.

Service Record
U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
19 June 1864 · USS Kearsarge, off Cherbourg, France · Quartermaster, U.S. Navy.

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.

45, 31 December 1864.
Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Navy June 19, 1864 · USS Kearsarge, off Cherbourg, France · Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. 45, 31 December 1864.
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.
In Our Keeping
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Record added September 19, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated September 20, 2026

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William Smith
U.S. Navy
Medal of Honor - Navy

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