Yeoman William Wright was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions between June 23 and 25, 1864 in Wilmington, North Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Monticello. Wright was about 29 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Wright was born in 1835 in London, England — one of 98 recipients born in England. His Medal of Honor is credited to Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland.
Wright is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as yeoman on board the U.S.S. Monticello during the reconnaissance of the harbor and water defenses of Wilmington, N.C., 23 to 25 June 1864. Taking part in a reconnaissance of enemy defenses which covered a period of two days and nights, Wright courageously carried out his cutting of a telegraph wire and the capture of a large group of prisoners. Although in immediate danger from the enemy at all times, Wright showed gallantry and coolness throughout this action which resulted in the gaining of much vital information on the rebel defenses.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1835Born in London, England
- June 23 - 25, 1864Act of valor — Wilmington, North CarolinaAge about 29. U.S.S. Monticello
Biography
William Wright (born c. 1835) was a British-born American soldier who fought for the Union Navy in the American Civil War. He received a Medal of Honor for his actions during a reconnaissance of Wilmington, North Carolina. The date of issue is unknown.
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