William Downey (Medal of Honor)

William Downey was an Irish soldier who fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Serving as a private, he distinguished himself during a critical engagement at the Ashepoo River in South Carolina on May 24, 1864.

For his conspicuous gallantry in action during this engagement, Downey was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for bravery. The award was officially presented to him on January 21, 1897, recognizing his courageous service decades after the conflict.

His legacy remains preserved as an international volunteer who contributed to the Union cause during one of the most defining conflicts in American history.