Battle of Backbone Mountain

William Anderson (c. 1852–1908) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography

Born in about 1852 in Sweden, Anderson migrated to the United States and joined the Navy from New York. By June 28, 1878, he was serving as a coxswain on the USS Powhatan. On that day, he rescued First Class Boy W. H. Moffatt from drowning, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.[2]

Anderson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Powhatan, 28 June 1878. Acting courageously, Anderson rescued from drowning W. H. Moffatt, first class boy.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b List of peace time Medal of Honors recipients (1871-1898) at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs history site
  2. ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 23, 2010.

External links