William Oakley

Under heavy fire at Cienfuegos, he helped cut Spain's cable.

William Oakley entered the U.S. Navy at Boston in November 1880. Serving as Gunner's Mate Second Class aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War, he joined the operation to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 11 May 1898. The sailors worked under heavy Spanish fire. Oakley's bravery and composure earned the Medal of Honor under General Order No. 521 of 7 July 1899.

The official Medal of Honor citation states: “On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Oakley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period.”

Oakley later attained Gunner's Mate First Class. He served aboard USS Kentucky during the Philippine Campaign and Cuban Pacification eligibility periods and finished his Navy career aboard USS Michigan, retiring on 4 November 1911. These campaign service periods do not establish his participation in any additional named battle.

After retirement, he returned to England. Oakley died at Wivenhoe, Essex, on 22 November 1918 and was buried in Wivenhoe Old Cemetery. His Cienfuegos action remains the defining episode of his long naval service.