b. 1838 San Francisco, California.  d. 23/05/1885 Portsmouth, Virginia.

 

DATE OF MOH ACTION: 14/04/1863 Nansemond River, Virginia.

 

Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Seaman in the Union Navy.  

 

MOH CITATION:

 

As captain of the gun, served temporarily on board the USS Mount Washington during the Nansemond River action, 14 April 1863. When one of his comrades was struck by a bullet and knocked overboard, Woods fearlessly jumped into the water and swam after him. Before he reached him, the man sank beneath the surface and Woods promptly swam back to the vessel, went to his gun, and fought it to the close of the action. At the the close of the battle, he tirelessly cared for the wounded.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: OAK GROVE CEMETERY, PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA.

8th Walk, Lot 347