Phinney, William - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Phinney, William

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Lackawanna

Citation

On board the USS Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram, Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Serving as a gun captain Phinney showed much presence of mind in managing the gun, and gave much needed encouragement to the crew during the engagement which resulted in the capture of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.

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