Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Signal Quartermaster Robert Williams received the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 27, 1862 in Drumgould's Bluff, Mississippi during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benton. Williams was about 25 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 15, 1863.
Williams was born in 1837 in New York, New York.
Williams is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as quartermaster on board the U.S.S. Benton during the Yazoo River Expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour- and-a-half engagement with the enemy at Drumgould's Bluff, 27 December, Williams served courageously throughout that battle against hostile forces in which the enemy had the dead-range of the vessel and were punishing her with heavy fire and various other action in which he took part during the Yazoo River Expedition.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1837Born in New York, New York
- December 27, 1862Act of valor — Drumgould's Bluff, MississippiAge about 25. U.S.S. Benton
- May 15, 1863Medal of Honor presented
Biography
Robert Williams (c. 1837–unknown) was an American sailor and recipient of the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. Little is known about Williams except for information regarding his Medal of Honor action. He served aboard the USS Benton as a signal quartermaster and earned his medal for actions during the Yazoo River (Mississippi) Expedition from December 23–27, 1862, specifically on December 27 at Drumgould's Bluff. Williams has been listed as "Lost to History" by the Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States because his burial location is unknown.
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