Antonio Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1825 Malta |
| Died | 22nd July 1908 Bristol, U.K. |
| Place of burial | Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS Huron (1875) |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Antonio Williams (1825–1908) was a seaman first class serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Biography edit
Williams was born in 1825 in Malta and after emigrating to the United States he joined the United States Navy. He was stationed on the gunboat USS Huron (1875) when it departed Hampton Roads, Virginia November 23, 1877 and headed for Cuba on a scientific cruise. At approximately 1am on November 24, near Nags Head, North Carolina, the Huron ran aground in stormy weather. Initially the crew attempted to free the vessel but the ship heeled over, killing 98 of the crew;[1][2] only 34 survived. Williams fought the storm, suffering injuries to his back, and succeeded in rescuing four men from the ocean after repeatedly returning to the waves.[3] For his actions Williams received the Medal of Honor in 1879. Williams married an English woman, and they lived in the Fishponds area of Bristol. He died on the 22nd of July 1908 and is buried in Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol.[3]
Medal of Honor citation edit
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1825, Malta.
Citation:
For courage and fidelity displayed in the loss of the U.S.S. Huron, 24 November 1877.[1]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Interim Awards, 1901-1911; Williams, Antonio entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on 4 November 2010. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
- ^ "Huron". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
- ^ a b "Seaman Antonio Williams' Bristol grave reveals secrets". BBC News. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
External links edit
- "Antonio Williams". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
Category:1825 births
Category:Year of death missing
Category:United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients
Category:United States Navy sailors
Category:Foreign-born Medal of Honor recipients
Category:American people of Maltese descent
Category:Maltese emigrants to the United States
Category:Non-combat recipients of the Medal of Honor