Whitfield, Daniel - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Whitfield, Daniel

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Lackawanna

HometownNewark, New Jersey

Citation

Serving as quartermaster on board the USS Lackawanna during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the rebel ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Acting as captain of a gun, Whitfield coolly stood by his gun, holding on to the lock string and waited alongside the rebel ram Tennessee until able to fire the shot that entered her port. Whitfield courageously carried out his duties during the prolonged action which resulted in the capture of the prize ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of Fort Morgan.

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