b. 06/02/1834 Canada. d. 17/10/1917 Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 13/02/1879 at sea.
Henry Williams MOH
Williams was born on February 6, 1834, in British North America. After emigrating to the United States, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 27, 1873.
He was stationed aboard the USS Constitution as a carpenter’s mate when, on February 13, 1879, he risked his life to repair the ship’s rudder in a heavy gale. For his actions he received the Medal of Honor October 18, 1884.
Williams was promoted to the warrant officer rank of carpenter on 1 June 1880. He retired from the Navy on February 6, 1896, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 62.
MOH CITATION:
For going over the stern of the U.S.S. Constitution, at sea, 13 February 1879, during a heavy gale, and performing important carpenter’s work upon her rudder.
BURIAL LOCATION: WEST LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, BALA CYNWYD, PENNSYLVANIA.
EDGEWOOD SECTION, LOT 100, GRAVE 1.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
