| America's Civil War Source |
A resource for those interested in the study of America's Civil War
| Wednesday June 26, 1861 |
Medal of Honor
The first Navy Medal of Honor was awarded to John Williams, of
the USS Pawnee, for gallantry in action during an attack on
Mathias Point, Va., on June 26, 1861. Williams led a raiding party
in a landing boat during the attack. Despite serious wounds, he
retained command of the boat, and after the flagstaff was shot
down, Williams held the boat's ensign aloft during the landing
operation.
Two minor skirmishes occur. One is at Patterson's Creek Virginia
and another at Frankfort.
The first Navy Medal of Honor was awarded to John Williams, of
the USS Pawnee, for gallantry in action during an attack on
Mathias Point, Va., on June 26, 1861. Williams led a raiding party
in a landing boat during the attack. Despite serious wounds, he
retained command of the boat, and after the flagstaff was shot
down, Williams held the boat's ensign aloft during the landing
operation.
Two minor skirmishes occur. One is at Patterson's Creek Virginia
and another at Frankfort.