Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Coxswain William McKnight received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 24, 1862 in Forts Jackson & St. Philip, Louisiana during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Varuna. McKnight was 19 years old.
18 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.
McKnight was born on May 3, 1842 in Ulster County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York, New York. McKnight died on November 4, 1914 in Woodhaven, New York, at the age of 72. He is buried at The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
McKnight 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
Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close-range, while the ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- May 3, 1842Born in Ulster County, New York
- April 24, 1862Act of valor — Forts Jackson & St. Philip, LouisianaAge 19. U.S.S. Varuna
- November 4, 1914Died in Woodhaven, New YorkAge 72.
- Resting placeThe Green-Wood CemeteryBrooklyn, New York
