Smith, Willard M. - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Marine Corps

Smith, Willard M.

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Brooklyn

BirthplaceAllegany, New York

Citation

On board the USS Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats, and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire continued to fall, Cpl. Smith fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2_hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee.

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