b. 03/05/1842 Ulster County, New York. d. 04/11/1914 Woodhaven, New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24/04/1862 Forts Jackson & St Philip, Louisiana.
William H McKnight MOH
During the Civil War, William McKnight served in the U.S. Navy as a Coxswain. On April 24, 1862, as a gun captain on board USS Varuna (1861), he participated in combat against Confederate ships as the Federal fleet fought its way past the fortifications protecting the approaches to New Orleans, Louisiana. For his conduct during this event, Coxswain McKnight was awarded the Medal of Honor.
MOH CITATION:
Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan, 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close-range, while the ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKnight remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk.
BURIAL LOCATION: GREENWOOD CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
SECTION 185, LOT 23348.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
