b. 08/12/1847 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. d. 30/03/1933 Brooklyn, New York.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 05/08/1864 Mobile Bay, Alabama.
William R Pelham MOH
Pelham enlisted in the Navy from New York City and took part in the Civil War as a Landsman on Rear Admiral David Farragut’s flagship, the USS Hartford. On August 5, 1864, the Hartford participated in the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama. Five months after the battle, on December 31, 1864, Pelham was issued the Medal of Honor for his conduct in that action.
MOH CITATION:
On board the flagship U.S.S. Hartford, during successful actions against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. When other members of his crewgun were killed or wounded under the enemy’s terrific shellfire, Pelham calmly assisted the casualties below and voluntarily returned and took his place at an adjoining gun where another man had been struck down. He continued to fight his gun throughout the remainder of the battle which resulted in the capture of the Tennessee.
BURIAL LOCATION: HOLY CROSS CEMETERY, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
ST MARKS SECTION, RANGE M, PLOT 12.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER, WASHINGTON NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON DC.
