b. 1832 Ireland. d. 30/06/1909 New Bedford, Massachusetts.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24/05/1864 Ashepoo River, South Carolina.
Downey was born in 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. He didnt receive his Medal until 21 January 1897.
MOH 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: SAINT MARY’S CEMETERY, NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS.
SECTION 10, LOT 147
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FORT TABER MILITARY MUSEUM, NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS.
