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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 Phinney — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Boatswain's Mate
Service Era: American Civil War, Battle of Mobile Bay
Medals Recorded: 1

William Phinney

Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy

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American Civil WarBattle of Mobile Bay

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862-1895 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

William Phinney was a gun captain aboard USS Lackawanna at Mobile Bay, where his steadiness under fire was singled out for national recognition.

Born in Norway in 1824, Phinney served in the Union Navy as a boatswain's mate aboard USS Lackawanna. On 5 August 1864 the ship fought in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Phinney remained at his gun through the engagement and was commended for his presence of mind while the ship was under heavy fire.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864, Phinney served as gun captain aboard USS Lackawanna with conspicuous steadiness and courage during the action.

The authoritative sources establish his identity, Navy service and Medal of Honor action, but do not provide a sufficiently reliable later-life record to extend the biography further.

His verified rack consists of the Medal of Honor and the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal. The generic Army Civil War Campaign Medal should be replaced by the service-specific Navy medal. No ribbon device is supported.

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