William McKnight was born in 1840 (or 1841) in Ulster County, New York. During the Civil War, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Coxwain. On 24 April 1862, as a gun captain on board USS Varuna, he participated in combat against Confederate ships as the Federal fleet fought its way past the fortifications protecting the approaches to New Orleans, Louisiana. For his conduct during this event, Coxwain McKnight was awarded the Medal of Honor.
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Medal of Honor citation of Coxwain William McKnight (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 38): "Captain of a gun on board the U.S.S. Varuna during the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and in action against the rebel ship Morgan (CSS Governor Moore), 24 April 1862. During this action at extremely close range, while his ship was under furious fire and was twice rammed by the rebel ship Morgan, McKNIGHT remained steadfast at his gun throughout the thickest of the fight and was instrumental in inflicting damage on the enemy until the Varuna, so badly damaged that she was forced to beach, was finally sunk." |
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Page made 30 November 2001