Smith, Edwin - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Smith, Edwin

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1862

Unit/CommandUSS Whitehead

BirthplaceNew York

Citation

On board the USS Whitehead in the attack upon Franklin, Va., 3 October 1862. When his ship became grounded in a narrow passage as she rounded a bend in the Blackwater River, Smith, realizing the hazards of lowering a boat voluntarily swam to shore with a line under the enemy’s heavy fire. His fearless action enabled his ship to maintain steady fire and keep the enemy in check during the battle.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1862