b. 1825 Valletta, Malta.  d. 21/07/1908 Bristol, England.

 

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24/11/1877 USS Huron.

 

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 USS Huron (1875) when it departed Hampton Roads, Virginia November 23, 1877 and proceeded to Cuba on a scientific cruise. At approximately 1 a. m. November 24, near Nags Head, North Carolina the Huron encountered heavy weather and wrecked. Initially the crew attempted to free the vessel but the ship heeled over killing 98 of the crew. For his actions Williams received the Medal of Honor in 1879. Williams married an English woman and retired to the city of Bristol, England.

 

MOH CITATION:

 

For courage and fidelity displayed in the loss of the U.S.S. Huron, 24 November 1877.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: GREENBANK CEMETERY, BRISTOL, ENGLAND.