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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
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Photo # NH 105628:  Medal of Honor awarded to William Gardner

Online Library of Selected Images:
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Ship's Cook William Gardner, USN, (Born in 1832)

William Gardner was born in 1832 in Ireland. He emigrated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of New York, serving as a Seaman on board USS Galena during the American Civil War. While his ship was under enemy fire during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama on 5 August 1864, he "behaved with conspicuous coolness", thus contributing to the capture of CSS Tennessee and the damaging of Fort Morgan. For his performance on that occasion, Gardner was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later obtained the rate of Ship's Cook.

This page features the only image we have concerning William Gardner.


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Photo #: NH 105628

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor


Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Seaman William Gardner, USN, who served gallantly on board USS Galena during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 90KB; 545 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Seaman William Gardner, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", pages 25 & 26):

"As seaman on board the U.S.S. Galena in the engagement at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Serving gallantly during the fierce battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee and the damaging of Fort Morgan, GARDNER behaved with conspicuous coolness under the fire of the enemy."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 14 March 2008