Carpenter's Mate Henry Williams, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on February 13, 1879 at sea, northeast Atlantic, west of the English Channel — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Constitution. Williams was 45 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on September 7, 1879. He later rose to the rank of Carpenter.
Williams was born on February 6, 1834 in Canada — one of 60 recipients born in Canada. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Williams died on October 17, 1917 in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, at the age of 83. He is buried at West Laurel Cemetery in Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and performing important carpenter's work upon her rudder.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
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Timeline
- February 6, 1834Born in Canada
- February 13, 1879Act of valor — at sea, northeast Atlantic, west of the English ChannelAge 45. U.S.S. Constitution
- September 7, 1879Medal of Honor presented
- October 17, 1917Died in Wildwood Crest, New JerseyAge 83.
- Resting placeWest Laurel CemeteryBala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Biography
Henry Williams (February 6, 1834 – October 17, 1917) was a sailor serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “Henry Williams (Medal of Honor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →