Nichols, William - The National Medal of Honor Museum

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U.S. Navy

Nichols, William

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1864

Unit/CommandUSS Brooklyn

BirthplaceNew York

Citation

On board the USS Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee, in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks from stem to stern, Nichols fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious battle which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee, and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.

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