George Washington McWilliams

Landsman George W. McWilliams was badly wounded in the assault on Fort Fisher, but his service aboard USS Pontoosuc during the operations against Fort Fisher and Wilmington was remembered for gallantry and coolness under fire.

George W. McWilliams was born in 1844 at Waterford, Pennsylvania. During the Civil War he served in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Pontoosuc.

From December 24, 1864 through February 22, 1865, Pontoosuc operated against Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina. McWilliams was severely wounded during the Fort Fisher fighting and was sent to the naval hospital at Portsmouth, Virginia. His Medal of Honor recognized his gallantry, skill, and coolness during those operations.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed)

Performed his duties with gallantry, skill, and coolness during the operations against Fort Fisher and Wilmington and was severely wounded at Fort Fisher.

McWilliams died on August 11, 1900, at Ida Grove, Iowa, and was buried in Ida Grove Cemetery.