b. 02/04/1879 Friedrichstadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. 08/05/1932 New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 06/05/1900 Hilongas, Philippines.
William G Thordsen MOH
Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in Fredericstadt, Germany, he immigrated to New York City, and in 1898 he enlisted in the US Navy. On May 6, 1900, Coxswain Thordsen was in charge of a small assault boat from the U.S.S. Pampanga near Hilongas, Philippine Islands. When a enemy shore battery spotted the assault boat, Coxswain Thordsen skillfully navigated his crew and craft to safety under heavy enemy fire. “For heroism and gallantry under fire of the enemy,” he was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 15, 1900 and later achieved the rank of Chief Gunner’s Mate. He died in New York City at the age of 53.
MOH CITATION:
For heroism and gallantry under fire of the enemy at Hilongas, Philippine Islands, 6 May 1900.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 1, GRAVE 69-W
LOCATION OF MEDAL: CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR SOCIETY, MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA.
