Franks, William J. - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Franks, William J.

ConflictCivil War

RankActing Master's Mate

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Marmora

BirthplaceNorth Carolina

Citation

Served on board the USS Marmora off Yazoo City, Miss., 5 March 1864. Embarking from the Marmora with a 12-pound howitzer mounted on a field carriage, Franks landed with the gun and crew in the midst of heated battle and, bravely standing by his gun despite enemy rifle fire which cut the gun carriage and rammer contributed to the turning back of the enemy during the fierce engagement.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1864