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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

William Anderson (Medal of Honor) — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Coxswain
Medals Recorded: 1

William Anderson (Medal of Honor)

Coxswain, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Saving a young shipmate from drowning

William Anderson earned the Medal of Honor aboard USS Powhatan on June 28, 1878. A coxswain in the United States Navy, he rescued W. H. Moffatt, a crew member rated as a first-class boy, from drowning.

Born in Sweden in 1852, Anderson was accredited to New York for the award. His brief citation recognizes the rescue without providing further circumstances.

Anderson died in Brooklyn, New York, on March 11, 1908, and is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery there. His Medal of Honor commemorates courage in saving a shipmate during peacetime naval service.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Powhatan, 28 June 1878. Acting courageously, Anderson rescued from drowning W.H. Moffatt, first class boy.

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