b. 28/04/1834 Lisbon, Maine. d. 18/03/1902 West Bowdoin, Maine.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24-25/12/1864 Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Quartermaster in the Union Navy on board the “USS Monadnock”. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in action during several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina on December 24 and 25, 1864, and 13, 14, and January 13 to 15, 1865. His citation reads “With his ship anchored well inshore to insure perfect range against the severe fire of rebel guns, Dunn continued his duties when the vessel was at anchor, as her propellers were kept in motion to make her turrets bear, and the shooting away of her chain might have caused her to ground. Disdainful of shelter despite severe weather conditions, he inspired his shipmates and contributed to the success of his vessel in reducing the enemy guns to silence.”
MOH CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Quartermaster William Dunn, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Monadnock in action during several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. With his ship anchored well inshore to insure perfect range against the severe fire of rebel guns, Quartermaster Dunn continued his duties when the vessel was at anchor, as her propellers were kept in motion to make her turrets bear, and the shooting away of her chain might have caused her to ground. Disdainful of shelter despite severe weather conditions, he inspired his shipmates and contributed to the success of his vessel in reducing the enemy guns to silence.
BURIAL LOCATION: WEST BOWDOIN CEMETERY, WEST BOWDOIN, MAINE.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
