William Williams

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Landsman William Williams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Lehigh, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, 16 November 1863, during the hazardous task of freeing the Lehigh, which had been grounded, and was under heavy enemy fire from Fort Moultrie. After several previous attempts had been made, Landsman Williams succeeded in passing in a small boat from the Lehigh to the Nahant with a line bent on a hawser. This courageous action while under severe enemy fire enabled the Lehigh to be freed from her helpless position.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 32 (April 16, 1864)

Action Date: November 16, 1863

Service: Navy

Rank: Landsman

Division: U.S.S. Lehigh