William Downey (Medal of Honor)

William Downey (1832 – June 30, 1909) was an Irish soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Downey received the United States' highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Ashepoo River, South Carolina on 24 May 1864. He was honored with the award on 21 January 1897.[1][2][3]

William Downey
Born	1832 Ireland
Died	June 30, 1909 Massachusetts
Buried	Saint Marys Cemetery, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1863 - 1865
Rank	Private
Unit	4th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry Regiment - Company B
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Downey was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1832, and joined the US Army from Fall River, Massachusetts in September 1863. He was captured at the Battle of Gainesville, and paroled in April 1865. He was mustered out in June 1865. [4]

Downey died on 30 June 1909 and his remains are interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Medal of Honor 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 batter.[1][2]

See also

• List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F

References

1. "Civil War (A-L) Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
2. "William Downey". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
3. "U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients". Retrieved 26 November 2013.
4. Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War