William H. Brown (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Brown
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|---|---|
| Born | 1836 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | November 5, 1896 (aged 59–60) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1864–1865 |
| Rank | Landsman |
| Unit | USS Brooklyn (1858) USS Potomac (1822) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Mobile Bay |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William H. Brown was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He lived from 1836 to 1896. During the American Civil War, he showed great courage. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a military person can receive in America.
Contents
William H. Brown was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1836. He joined the Navy on March 23, 1864. He became a landsman, which was a rank for new sailors. Brown was assigned to a ship called the USS Brooklyn (1858). This ship was part of the Union's West Gulf Blockading Squadron. This group of ships was led by Rear Admiral David Farragut.
The Battle of Mobile Bay
On August 5, 1864, a big battle happened in Mobile Bay. Admiral Farragut led 18 Union ships, including the Brooklyn, into the bay. This area was controlled by the Confederate forces.
As the Union ships entered, they faced heavy fire. Shots came from Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, and four Confederate ships.
Brown's Role in Battle
During this intense battle, William H. Brown had a very important job. He worked on the Brooklyn's shell whip. This was a special device used to lift boxes of gunpowder from below the ship's deck. The gunpowder was needed to load the ship's cannons.
Brown kept the guns supplied with powder throughout the entire battle. He did this even though there was a lot of enemy fire all around him. His brave actions helped the Union ships fight effectively.
Victory and Medal of Honor
The Union squadron successfully forced the Confederate ships to surrender. Soon after, Union soldiers captured the forts on land.
Just four months later, on December 31, 1864, William H. Brown received the Medal of Honor. This award recognized his courage and dedication during the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Later Life and Legacy
William H. Brown passed away when he was 59 or 60 years old. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. His bravery during the American Civil War is remembered through his Medal of Honor.
