Antonio Williams (seaman)

Antonio Williams
Bornc. 1825
Malta
Died22 July 1908
Bristol, U.K.
Place of burial
Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
RankSeaman
UnitUSS Huron (1875)
AwardsMedal of Honor

Antonio Williams (c. 1825–1908) was a seaman first class serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Biography

Williams was born in 1825 in Malta and after emigrating to the United States he joined the United States Navy.

He was stationed on the USS Huron (1875) when it departed Hampton Roads, Virginia, 23 November 1877, and proceeded to Cuba on a scientific cruise. At approximately 1:00 a.m. on 24 November, near Nags Head, North Carolina, the Huron encountered heavy weather and wrecked. Initially the crew attempted to free the vessel but the ship heeled over killing 98 of the crew. For his actions Williams received the Medal of Honor in 1879.[citation needed]

Williams married an English woman and retired to the city of Bristol, England. He died on 22 July 1908 and is buried in Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol.[1][2]

Antonio Williams's grave in Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol, UK

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1825, Malta.

Citation:

For courage and fidelity displayed in the loss of the U.S.S. Huron, 24 November 1877.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Interim Awards, 1901–1911; Williams, Antonio entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. 3 August 2009. Archived from the original on 4 November 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  2. ^ "Huron". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 1 October 2010.