John Williams, III

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boatswain's Mate John Williams, II, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Captain of an 11-inch gun aboard the U.S.S. Mohican during action of the main squadron of ships against the heavily defended Forts Beauregard and Walker on Hilton Head, South Carolina, and against ships of the Confederate Fleet, 7 November 1861. Cool and courageous at his battle station, Boatswain's Mate Williams maintained steady fire against the enemy while under the fort batteries during a four-hour engagement which resulted in silencing the batteries of the forts and in the rout of the rebel steamers.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 17 (July 10, 1863)

Action Date: November 7, 1861

Service: Navy

Rank: Boatswain's Mate

Division: U.S.S. Mohican