b. 10/09/1840 Providence, Rhode Island. d. 19/07/1893 Bayside, Rhode Island.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 05/06/1862 Tranter’s Creek, North Carolina.
William B Avery MOH
He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery at the June 5, 1862 Battle of Tranter’s Creek, North Carolina. A native of Rhode Island, he enlisted as a Private in Company A, 1st Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry on May 2, 1861. He served the next several months with the regiment, which saw action at the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861), before accepting a commission of 1st Lieutenant in Company B, 1st New York Marine Artillery regiment on August 1, 1861. He was in command of a detachment during the Union operations in North Carolina, and his performance at Tranter’s Creek would garner him the Medal of Honor 31 years later. His citation reads simply “Handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire” (the Medal was awarded to him on September 3, 1893). He would be promoted to Captain on August 1, 1862, but was never mustered into that rank, and was eventually discharged on March 31, 1863.
MOH CITATION:
Handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire.
BURIAL LOCATION: NORTH BURIAL GROUND, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.
Section 13, Lot 2336
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
