U.S. Civil War – U.S. Navy

William Dunn

Details

• Rank: Quartermaster
• Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
• Unit/Command:
  U.S.S. Monadnock
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
• Medal of Honor Action Date: January 13 – 15, 1865
• Medal of Honor Action Place: Fort Fisher, North Carolina, USA

Citation

On board the U.S.S. Monadnock in action during several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. With his ship anchored well inshore to insure perfect range against the severe fire of rebel guns, Dunn continued his duties when the vessel was at anchor, as her propellers were kept in motion to make her turrets bear, and the shooting away of her chain might have caused her to ground. Disdainful of shelter despite severe weather conditions, he inspired his shipmates and contributed to the success of his vessel in reducing the enemy guns to silence.

Additional Details

• Accredited to: Maine
• Awarded Posthumously: No
• Born: April 28, 1834, Lisbon, Androscoggin County, ME, United States
• Died: March 18, 1902, Lisbon, ME, United States
• Buried: West Bowdoin Cemetery (MH), West Bowdoin, ME, United States