Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Quartermaster William Dunn received the Medal of Honor for his actions between January 13 and 15, 1865 at Fort Fisher, North Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Monadnock. Dunn was 30 years old.
16 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Dunn was born on April 28, 1834 in Lisbon, Androscoggin County, Maine. His Medal of Honor is credited to Maine. Dunn died on March 18, 1902 in Lisbon, Maine, at the age of 67. He is buried at West Bowdoin Cemetery in West Bowdoin, Maine.
Dunn is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 66 credited to Maine.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Monadnock in action during several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. With his ship anchored well inshore to insure perfect range against the severe fire of rebel guns, Dunn continued his duties when the vessel was at anchor, as her propellers were kept in motion to make her turrets bear, and the shooting away of her chain might have caused her to ground. Disdainful of shelter despite severe weather conditions, he inspired his shipmates and contributed to the success of his vessel in reducing the enemy guns to silence.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: American Civil War.
Places
Timeline
- April 28, 1834Born in Lisbon, Androscoggin County, Maine
- January 13 - 15, 1865Act of valor — Fort Fisher, North CarolinaAge 30. U.S.S. Monadnock
- March 18, 1902Died in Lisbon, MaineAge 67.
- Resting placeWest Bowdoin CemeteryWest Bowdoin, Maine
Biography
William Dunn (April 28, 1834 – March 18, 1902) was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.
From the Wikipedia article “William Dunn (Medal of Honor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
