William Madden

William Madden stayed in the powder division aboard USS Brooklyn at Mobile Bay even after bursting shells twice cleared away the men around the shell whips.

Born in England in 1843, Madden served in the U.S. Navy as a coal heaver aboard Brooklyn. On 5 August 1864, during the Battle of Mobile Bay, he remained at his post while the ship fought through Confederate fire. His Medal of Honor citation emphasizes his steadfast conduct after enemy shells repeatedly disrupted the powder-handling parties.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): Aboard USS Brooklyn at Mobile Bay, Madden remained at his station in the powder division despite bursting shells that repeatedly swept men from the shell whips.

Reliable reviewed sources do not establish his later life or death well enough to add detail beyond his wartime service.

The source rack used the Army campaign entry. His proposed rack is the Medal of Honor and the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal, reflecting his U.S. Navy service. No ribbon device is supported.