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Photo # NH 105629:  Medal of Honor awarded to William Farley

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Boatswain's Mate William Farley, USN, (Born in 1835)

William Farley was born in 1835 in Whitefield, Maine. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from that state and served as a Boatswain's Mate on board USS Marblehead during the American Civil War. While off Legareville, Stono River, South Carolina, on 25 December 1863, Farley inspired his men to keep a rapid and effective fire on the enemy as Marblehead engaged Confederates on John's Island. The enemy eventually abandoned his position leaving munitions behind. For his performance on that occasion, Boatswain's Mate Farley was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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


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Photo #: NH 105629

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor


Reverse of a Medal of Honor awarded to Boatswain's Mate William Farley, USN, of USS Marblehead for inspiring his men to keep a rapid and effective fire during an engagement with a Confederate battery on John's Island, Stono River, South Carolina, 25 December 1863.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 90KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Boatswain's Mate William Farley, USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 24):

"Served on board the U.S.S. Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, during an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Behaving in a gallant manner, FARLEY animated his men and kept up a rapid and effective fire on the enemy throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of his positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind."


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 24 March 2008