Robert Williams (Medal of Honor)

Robert Williams (c. 1837–unknown) was an American sailor and recipient of the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War. Little is known about Williams except for information regarding his Medal of Honor action. He served aboard the USS Benton as a signal quartermaster and earned his medal for actions during the Yazoo River (Mississippi) Expedition from December 23–27, 1862, specifically on December 27 at Drumgould's Bluff.[1]

Robert Williams
Bornc. 1837
New York, New York, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
BranchNavy
Battles/warsYazoo Pass expedition
AwardsMedal of Honor

Williams has been listed as "Lost to History" by the Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States because his burial location is unknown.[2]

Medal of Honor citation edit

 

Medal of Honor citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Quartermaster on board the USS Benton during the Yazoo River (Mississippi) Expedition, 23 to 27 December 1862. Taking part in the hour-and-a-half engagement with the enemy at Drumgould's Bluff, 27 December, Signal Quartermaster Williams served courageously throughout that battle against hostile forces in which the enemy had the dead range of the vessel and were punishing her with heavy fire and, for various other action in which he took part during the Yazoo River Expedition.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "Robert Williams | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Navy | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved May 29, 2021.
  2. ^ "Lost to History". Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  3. ^ "Robert Williams - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved May 29, 2021.