Boatswain's Mate William Martin was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 27, 1862 in Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, Mississippi during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benton. Martin was 27 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Master's Mate.
Martin was born on September 22, 1835 in New York, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois. Martin died on April 3, 1914, at the age of 78. He is buried at Alto Pass Cemetery in (PM) (14-3), Illinois. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.
Martin is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 210 credited to Illinois.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as boatswain's mate on board U.S.S. Benton during the attack on Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy, who had the dead-range of the vessel and was punishing her with heavy fire, Martin served courageously throughout the battle until the Benton was ordered to withdraw.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- September 22, 1835Born in New York, New York
- December 27, 1862Act of valor — Haines Bluff, Yazoo River, MississippiAge 27. U.S.S. Benton
- April 3, 1914DiedAge 78.
- Resting placeAlto Pass Cemetery(PM) (14-3), Illinois
