John Williams

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain of the Maintop John Williams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action, serving as Captain of the Maintop of the U.S.S. Pawnee in the attack upon Mathias Point, Virginia, 26 June 1861. Captain of the Maintop Williams told his men, while lying off in the boat, that every man must die on his thwart sooner than leave a man behind. Although wounded by a musket ball in the thigh he retained charge of his boat; and when the staff was shot away, held the stump in his hand, with the flag, until alongside the Freeborn.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 11 (April 3, 1863)

Action Date: June 26, 1861

Service: Navy

Rank: Captain of the Main Top

Division: U.S.S. Pawnee