Downey, William - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Army

Downey, William

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandCompany B, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry

Citation

Volunteered as a member of a boatcrew which went to the rescue of a large number of Union soldiers on board the stranded steamer Boston, and with great gallantry assisted in conveying them to shore, being exposed during the entire time to a heavy fire from a Confederate battery.

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